Efficient synthesis of substituted thieno[3,2-e]indoles

Efficient cyclization reactions of 5-aminobenzothiophene derivatives with internal and terminal acetylenes, giving 7- and 8-substituted thieno[3,2-e]indoles, are described. The reaction of 4-iodo-5-(methylsulfonamido)benzothiophene with terminal alkynes gave 7-substituted thienoindoles using general Sonogashira reaction conditions. Reaction of 5-amino-4-iodobenzothiophene with internal acetylenes, using Larock's heterocyclization reaction conditions, gave 7,8-disubstituted thieno[3,2-e]indoles.