DTBP-mediated controlled oxidative C-S bond cleavage/annulation cascade: construction of indenones

A novel controlled DTBP-mediated oxidative C-S bond cleavage/annulation cascade is devised. This approach enables the controlled formation of carbonyl intermediates from benzyl thioethers to participate in annulation reactions with alkynes to offer privileged indenone skeletons. The cascade involves the controlled formation of carbonyls from benzyl thioethers followed by the annulation of alkynes to offer privileged indenone skeletons.