Novel Route to 2,3-Substituted Benzo[b]thiophenes via Intramolecular Radical Cyclization

A novel route to 2,3-substittited benzo[b]thiophenes by intramolecular radical cyclization of polarized ketene dithioacetals derived from o-bromoarylacetonitriles or the corresponding 3-(methylthio)-3-alkyl/aryl/heteroaryl analogues has been reported.