Condensation of iodoaniline (I) with ethyl 2-(methylsulfanyl)acetate (II) in the presence of sulfuryl chloride gives rise to the oxindole derivative (III). Desulfuration of (III) by means of Raney-nickel then affords (IV). The Vilsmeier-Haack reaction of oxindole (IV) with POBr3 and DMF leads to the bromo aldehyde (V). This is finally subjected to Suzuki coupling with 3-benzothienylboronic acid (VI) to furnish the title compound.