Three-component, four-centered, one-pot synthesis of 1-(arylethynyl)-2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole derivatives

•It describes one-pot synthesis of 1-(arylethynyl)-2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[3,4-b]indoles.•This method is effective and operationally simple.•It is a highly convergent process.•This method works with a diverse range of substrates.•It is a three-component, four-centered reaction.