[N,P]-pyrrole PdCl2 complexes catalyzed the formation of dibenzo-α-pyrone and lactam analogues

We herein report the synthesis and catalytic application of a new family of [N,P] ligands based on the pyrrole ring with alpha-phosphine or phosphole units. Their palladium complexes (3a-d) were obtained in very good yields and their catalytic properties were evaluated in the direct intramolecular arylation to obtain both benzopyranones and phenanthridinones. The air stable complex 3a exhibited the best catalytic performance of this series of complexes, using 1 mol% of catalyst in combination with microwaves to promote this reaction.