Synthesis of thiazole derivatives 8–11. Reagents and conditions: (a) KSCN, conc. HCl, abs. EtOH, 110 °C, 18 h [27–41%]; (b) 2-bromo-4′-hydroxyacetophenone (for compounds 8 and 9) or 2-bromo-3′-hydroxyacetophenone (for compounds 10 and 11), abs. EtOH, MW (71 °C, 300 W, 2 min) [67–82%].