Synthesis of Benzo[]thiophenes via Electrophilic Sulfur Mediated Cyclization of Alkynylthioanisoles.

A stable dimethyl(thiodimethyl)sulfonium tetrafluoroborate salt was employed for the electrophilic cyclization reaction of -alkynyl thioanisoles for the synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted benzo[]thiophenes. The reaction described herein works well with various substituted alkynes in excellent yields, and a valuable thiomethyl group was introduced with ease. The reaction utilizes moderate reaction conditions and ambient temperature while tolerating various functionalities.