Bromination of 3-substituted benzo[b]thiophenes: access to Raloxifen intermediate

A practical route to prepare halogeno-derivatives is described, starting from easily available 3-cyano-benzo[b]thiophene. Main efforts have been devoted to the optimization of the experimental procedures (solvent, bromination) to promote selectivity. Synthetic studies investigate the potential access to an advanced intermediate of Raloxifen.