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.

[3] 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, and also BTCP.

[5] In the presence of a gold catalyst, a more complex 2,3-disubstituted benzothiophene can be synthesised.