In situ generated benzofuran-2-amine reacts with 1,3-CCC-dielectrophiles, such as CF3-containing β-diketones, 3-formylchromone, methyl-2,4-dioxopentanoate and pentafluorobenzaldehyde, and the reaction leads to the formation of benzofuro[2,3-b]pyridine ring system. By using a similar approach 4-trifluoromethyl-α-carbolines were synthesized starting from indole-2-amine.