Heck-like coupling and Pictet-Spengler reaction for the synthesis of benzothieno[3,2-c]quinolines

Abstract A series of 6-arylbenzothieno[3,2- c ]quinolines were synthesised in three steps from benzo[ b ]thiophene. After a selective Heck-type coupling of benzo[ b ]thiophene with different o -nitroaryl bromides to obtain 2-( o -nitroaryl)benzo[ b ]thiophenes, corresponding 2-(benzo[ b ]thiophen-2-yl)anilines were involved in a Pictet–Spengler reaction to form the quinoline cycle.