Synthesis of Phenanthridinones from N-Methoxybenzamides and Arenes by Multiple Palladium-Catalyzed CH Activation Steps at Room Temperature

Many steps make light work: Substituted phenanthridinones can be obtained with high regioselectivity and in very good yields by palladium‐catalyzed cyclization reactions of N‐methoxybenzamides with arenes (see scheme). The reaction proceeds through multiple oxidative CH activation and CC/CN formation steps in one pot at room temperature, and thus provides a simple method for generating bioactive phenanthridinones.