Visible-light-induced tandem cyclization of 2-alkynylanilines with disulfides: a convenient method for accessing benzothiophenes under transition-metal-free and photocatalyst-free conditions.

A simple and efficient strategy for the preparation of benzothiophenes via visible-light-induced cyclization of 2-alkynylanilines with disulfides was developed. The reaction afforded the desired products in good yields at room temperature under transition-metal-free and photocatalyst-free conditions.