The present invention relates to intermediates and processes for preparing benzothiophenes of the following formula:
wherein Y is chloro, bromo, iodo or -SO2R9; and
R9 is C1-C4 alkyl, trifluoromethyl, trichloromethyl, phenyl, p-tolyl, p-anisyl, or mono- or di(halo or nitro)phenyl.