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

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.