Regioselective synthesis of functionalized naphtho[b]thiophenes through a 'lactone methodology'

Benzo[b]thiophene and its benzannulated derivatives are important classes of compounds due to their unique chemical properties and biosteric relationship with indole. In this letter, we report a convenient route for the synthesis of substituted naphtho[b]thiophenes through a ring transformation reaction of suitably functionalized 2H-pyran-2-ones with 6,7-dihydro-5H-benzothiophene-4-one, in good yields.

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