Benzothiophene

Benzothiophene is an aromatic organic compound with a molecular formula C8H6S and an odor similar to naphthalene (mothballs). It occurs naturally as a constituent of petroleum-related deposits such as lignite tar. Benzothiophene has no household use. It is used primarily in industry and research.

Being a heterocyclic compound, benzothiophene finds use in research as a starting material for the synthesis of larger, usually bioactive structures. It is found within the chemical structures of pharmaceutical drugs such as raloxifene, zileuton, and sertaconazole. It is also used in the manufacturing of dyes such as thioindigo.

Its aromaticity makes it relatively stable, although as a heterocycle, it has reactive sites which allow for functionalization.