Efficient one-pot four-component sequential synthesis of 5-acetyl-4-amino-3-(aryl)thieno[2,3-b]pyridin-6(7H)-ones in the presence of aluminum chloride

A simple and efficient procedure for the synthesis of 5-acetyl-4-amino-3-(aryl)thieno[2,3- b ]pyridin-6(7 H )-ones by one-pot two-step reaction between 2-(1-arylethylidene)malononitriles, elemental sulfur , and Meldrum's acid in the presence of AlCl 3 (15 mol %) in 1,2-dichloroethane under refluxing conditions is reported. • One-pot multi-component reactions. • Synthesis of novel 5-acetyl-4-amino-3-(aryl)thieno[2,3- b ]pyridin-6(7H)-ones. • Developing novel thienopyridines-based. • Medicinal properties. • AlCl 3 as catalyst.