Synthesis of pyrrolo-/indolo[1,2-a]quinolines and naphtho[2,1-b]thiophenes from gem-dibromovinyls and sulphonamides.

A highly efficient and simple route for the synthesis of pyrrolo-/indolo[1,2-a]quinolines and naphtho[2,1-b]thiophenes from gem-dibromovinyls and sulphonamides is reported. The noteworthy feature of this report is that the methodology involves a two-step protocol to synthesize tri- and tetracyclic heterocycles in a one-pot fashion through the Cu(I)-catalyzed formation of ynamide followed by a Ag(I)-assisted intramolecular hydroarylation. The photophysical properties of representative examples of pyrrolo- and indolo[1,2-a]quinolines in solid and solution states have also been studied.