A new approach to 3-(arylthio)indoles and related compounds has been developed, based on the reactions of aryl Grignard reagents or lithiated heteroaroinatics 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 the key step.