2,6-Disubstituted benzothiazoles, analogues of the aromatic core of D-luciferin : synthesis and evaluation of the affinity for Photinus pyralis luciferase

A few 2,6-disubstituted benzothiazoles have been prepared as reference compounds or starting material for the preparation of derivatives containing positron emitting fluorine in the aromatic ring. Their affinity for Photinus pyralis luciferase has been evaluated and values of IC50 (8.8-45.2 μM) suggest that they are competitive inhibitors of the enzyme.