Palladium-Catalyzed Direct C2-Arylation of Benzo[b]thiophenes with Electron-Rich Aryl Halides: Facile Access to Thienoacene Derivatives

Direct coupling reaction of benzo[b]thiophene and electron-rich aryl bromides was achieved under Pd2(dba)3/SPhos catalysis in the presence of NaOt-Bu. The reaction system was applied for the installation of 2-(methylthio)phenyl group onto thiophene-fused polyaromatic molecules, demonstrating facile synthesis of precursors for thienoacene derivatives.