Palladium-catalyzed annulation reactions of methyl o-halobenzoates with azabicyclic alkenes: a general protocol for the construction of benzo[c]phenanthridine derivatives

Abstract

The annulation reaction of methyl o-halobenzoates with azabicyclic alkenes proceeds efficiently to give the corresponding benzo[c]phenanthridine derivatives in good to excellent yields using a developed base-free methodology based on our preliminary studies. Thirty-seven application examples validate the compatibility of the present strategy with different groups, particularly with the electron-deficient ones, that are difficult to access using other traditional methods. In addition, annulation reactions with non-symmetric azabicyclic alkenes are achieved in high regioselectivity.