1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-((3-methoxyphenyl)-thio)ethanone (CAS# 63675-73-0) is a building block/intermediate useful towards the synthesis of Raloxifene (R100000) and other benzothiophene-containing structures. It is also useful in the preparation of estrogen receptor targeting antagonists for treatment of proliferative diseases including cancer, particularly breast cancer.