A cyclization-carbonylation-cyclization coupling reaction of (ortho-alkynyl phenyl) (methoxymethyl) sulfides with the palladium(II)-bisoxazoline catalyst.

A cyclization-carbonylation-cyclization coupling reaction (CCC-coupling reaction) of (o-alkynylphenyl) (methoxymethyl) sulfides, catalyzed by (box)Pd(II) complexes, afforded symmetrical ketones bearing two benzo[b]thiophene groups in good to excellent yields. This method is applicable to a broad range of substrates.