Palladium-catalyzed benzothieno[2,3-b]indole formation via dehydrative–dehydrogenative double C–H sulfuration using sulfur powder, indoles and cyclohexanones

Abstract

Palladium-catalyzed C–S bond formation via dehydrative–dehydrogenative double C–H sulfuration using sulfur powder is described. The dehydrogenated intermediates of cyclohexanones can be trapped to act as efficient aryl sources under an oxygen atmosphere. This procedure provides a novel approach for the preparation of benzothieno[2,3-b]indoles.