A FeCl3-promoted regioselective cyclization of alkynyl aryl ketones with N-arylthiobenzamides had been developed for the synthesis of 3-sulfenylflavones derivatives. Various alkynyl aryl ketones and N-arylthiobenzamides with a number of functional groups were compatible in this reaction to afford the corresponding 3-sulfenylflavones in moderate to good yields. The mechanism was described in detail.