Synthesis of Phenanthridinones from N-Methoxybenzamides and Aryltriethoxysilanes through RhIII-Catalyzed CH and NH Bond Activation

An efficient method for the one-pot synthesis of substituted phenanthridinone derivatives from N-methoxybenzamides and aryltriethoxysilanes through rhodium-catalyzed dual CH bond activation and annulation reactions is described. A double-cycle mechanism is proposed to account for this catalytic reaction. In addition, isotope-labeling studies were performed to understand the intimate mechanism of the reaction. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]