An Atom-Economic Route to Thiophenes and 2,2′-Bithiophenes by Intramolecular Transannulation of gem-Dialkylthio Enynes.

An atom-economic route to thiophenes and bithiophenes has been developed starting from the readily available gem-dialkylthio enynes. A range of functionalized thiophenes and bithiophenes, bearing a pendent vinylthio group, were obtained in good to high yields under mild conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]