2-Aminobenzothiazole is the organic compound with the formula . It is related to the parent benzothiazole, but with an amino group at the unique methyne position on the thiazole ring. As confirmed by X-ray crystallography, it is a planar molecule, which exists as the amine tautomer.
2-Aminobenzothiazoles are often prepared by cyclization of 2-bromo-substituted arylthioureas.
Isothiocyanic acid, which can be generated in situ from sodium thiocyanate, adds to anilines to also afford 2-aminobenzothiazoles. Many other methods are available.
Diazotization of 2-aminobenzothiazoles gives diazonium salts. These salts undergo azo coupling with anilines. In this way some are prepared some useful dyes such as Basic Blue 54.