The present invention provides methods, i.e., scalable or large-scale processes for the production of fused, tricyclic sulfonamido analogs, such as substituted or unsubstituted 5-(aryl-sulfonyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolines and 5-(heteroaryl-sulfonyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolines. Exemplary methods of the invention include an intra-molecular cyclization step, in which a carbon-nitrogen bond is formed, and which employs a copper-based catalyst that contains at least one organic ligand, such as DMEDA. The invention further provides compounds, which are useful as intermediates in the methods of the invention.