Abstract
A short and convenient hetero-annulation protocol has been developed for the synthesis of substituted phenanthridines via domino Suzuki coupling and condensation between N-(2-iodo-aryl)-formamide derivatives and 2-formylphenylboronic acid in the presence of Pd(OAc)(2), Cs2CO3 and PPh3 as catalytic system in dry DMF at 85-90 degrees C for 6-7 h. The intermediate after Suzuki coupling and deprotection of nitrogen under the same catalytic system, furnishes the corresponding phenanthridines in good yields after immediate condensation and dehydration. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.