Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity of 5-(Aryl)dibenzothiophenium Triflates.

A synthetic protocol for the preparation of 5-(aryl)dibenzothiophenium salts starting from inexpensive dibenzothiophene S-oxide and simple arenes is reported. The scope of the method regarding the nature of the arene is evaluated, intermediates along the reaction sequence have been trapped, and side-reactions identified. In addition, the X-ray structures of a complete set of these salts are reported and their reactivities studied. Specifically, chemoselective Suzuki coupling is observed at the dibenzothiophenium in the presence of iodides.