Abstract We have developed a two-step method for synthesis of 3-(hetarylthio)-1-propynyl (trimethyl) silanes from thiols in a phase-transfer catalysis system HCCCH 2 Br-solid K 2 CO 3-18-crown-6-toluene followed by reaction with n-BuLi-Me 3 SiCl in ether or THF. We have observed that 3-[1, 3-bis (trimethylsilyl)-2-propynyl] thioindole displays high cytotoxicity in HT- 1080 and MG-22A tumor cell lines.
