Oxone®-mediated halocyclization/demethylation of 2-alkynylthioanisoles with sodium halides towards 3-halobenzo[b]thiophenes

An efficient and practical protocol for the Oxone®-mediated halocyclization/demethylation of 2-alkynylthioanisoles towards valuable 3-halobenzo[b]thiophenes is described. Structurally diverse 3-halobenzothiophenes were obtained in good to excellent yields under mild reaction conditions.