Direct alkylation of thiophenes via bis-coupling with vinyl acetates

A novel direct alkylation of thiophenes via bis-coupling with vinyl acetates has been developed. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first report of the iron-catalysed coupling of two thiophenes with vinyl groups. Utilizing earth-abundant, inexpensive, and non-toxic iron catalysts, this methodology converts simple thiophenes to symmetrical dithienylethane derivatives under mild conditions in one step.