A simple and single-step synthesis of 2- and 3-acyl substituted benzothiophenes has been described via environmentally benign acylation of benzothiophene with in situ generated acyl trifluoroacetates. Both aliphatic and aromatic carboxylic acids participated in trifluoroacetic anhydride/phosphoric acid mediated C-C bond forming reactions under solvent-free conditions affording acyl benzothiophenes in good overall yields.