A Pd-catalyzed optional approach for the synthesis of dibenzothiophenesElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c8ob00235e

A direct and practical approach for the construction of DBTs was developed via a Pd-catalyzed tandem reaction, in which commercially available o -bromo-iodobenzenes combined with benzene thiols or iodobenzenes combined with o -bromo-benzene thiols were applied. These two approaches will provide an alternative for the synthesis of DBT derivatives. A direct and practical approach for the construction of DBTs was developed via a Pd-catalyzed tandem reaction, in which commercially available o -bromo-iodobenzenes combined with benzene thiols or iodobenzenes combined with o -bromo-benzene thiols were applied.