Chemistry of thienopyridines. XXXIX. Synthesis of benzothieno[2,3-h]isoquinoline and related studies

Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxaldehyde undergoes condensation with 4-methylpyridine and with 2-methylquinoline to produce trans-diarylethenes (52% and 76%, respectively). The former alkene photocyclizes in cyclohexane to yield [1]benzo[2,3-h]isoquinoline (35%), while the latter alkene does not give successful, analogous cyclization.