To a solution of 4-bromo-6-methoxy-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-benzothiazole (1.0 g, 2.86 mmol) in dry toluene (25 mL) was added potassium carbonate (4.2 g, 30.4 mmol), methylboronic acid (0.92 g, 15.3 mmol) and tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (0.44 g, 0.38 mmol). The mixture was heated to 100° C. for 24 h, then cooled to room temperature. The mixture was diluted with ethylacetate and washed with water, saturated sodium carbonate and brine. After chromatographic purification gave 4-methyl-6-methoxy-2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-benzothiazole as a white solid (0.63 g, 77% yield). Mass spec: MH+=286.
