Expanding the synthesizable multisubstituted benzo[ b ]thiophenes via 6,7-thienobenzynes generated from o -silylaryl triflate-type precursors.

Various 2,3-disubstituted 6,7-thienobenzynes have been efficiently generated from the corresponding o -silylaryl triflate-type precursors by activation with fluoride ions. The method has expanded the scope of synthesizable multisubstituted benzothiophenes, including those with various heteroatom substituents, and can be applied to the synthesis of EP4 antagonist analogs.