Radical Cyclization of Arenesulfonyl Chlorides and Alkynes: A Rapid Access to π-Conjugated Benzothiophenes

A metal-free radical cyclization of arenesulfonyl chlorides with alkynes has been developed, which provides a rapid and practical access to a variety of -conjugated benzothiophenes with a broad reactive functional group tolerance. Furthermore, dialkynyl compounds could also undergo this transformation to give extended -systems in good yields.