We describe two efficient protocols for the straightforward synthesis of 3H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]quinolin-4(5H)-one and thieno[2,3-c]quinolin-4(5H)-one derivatives from readily available 4-alkynyl-3-bromoquinolin-2(1H)-one as precursor. The efficient synthesis of highly functionalized 3H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]quinolin-4(5H)-ones has been achieved via a palladium-catalyzed domino reaction of 4-alkynyl-3-bromoquinolin-2(1H)-ones with amines. Thieno[2,3-c]quinolin-4(5H)-one derivatives were also conveniently synthesized via sequential nucleophilic aromatic substitution/5-endo-dig cyclization between 4-alkynyl-3-bromoquinolin-2(1H)-ones and sodium sulfide with good functional tolerance under mild conditions.