Abstract A new approach to 3-(arylthio) indoles and related compounds has been developed, based on the reactions of aryl Grignard reagents or lithiated heteroaromatics with a phenylsulfonyl-protected 3, 3′-bis (indolyl) disulfide. In addition, a rational approach to the 3, 3′-bis (indolyl) sulfone core of the alkaloid echinosulfone A has been accomplished, involving treatment of a 3-lithioindole with bis (phenylsulfonyl) sulfide as ...