Efficient Synthesis of Difluoromethylated Benzothiophene Derivatives Under Electrochemical Conditions

ABSTRACT In this paper, we have developed an efficient and simple method for obtaining difluoromethylated benzothiophene derivatives under electrochemical conditions. The method utilizes 2‐alkynylthioanisoles, which contain active alkynes as substrates, affordable sodium difluoromethanesulfinate (HCF 2 SO 2 Na) as the fluorinating reagent. By the anodic oxidation to excite difluoromethyl radicals under electrochemical conditions and triggering difunctionalization reactions through the addition of alkynes via free radicals to form target products. It features excellent functional group compatibility and affords a variety of benzothiophene derivatives in good yields.