Synthesis of 2-aryl-4,6-dinitrobenzo[b]thiophenes from 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene

A method for the synthesis of previously unknown 2-aryl-4,6-dinitrobenzo[b]thiophenes and their 3-chloro derivatives has been developed based on the replacement of ortho-NO₂ in (E)-2,4,6-trinitrostilbenes on treatment with PhCH₂SH/K₂CO₃ followed by transformations of the resulting 2-benzylthio-4,6-dinitrostilbenes by treatment with SO₂Cl₂.