Facile Metal-Free Synthesis of Phenanthridines by SN2′ Reaction/C–H Functionalization/Aromatization through the Reaction of Morita–Baylis–Hillman Acetates with Nitroalkanes

Abstract

A simple, highly efficient, and regioselective synthesis of functionalized phenanthridines by the reaction of MBH acetates of 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbaldehydes with nitroalkanes is described. The reaction involves an SN2′ reaction/C–H functionalization/aromatization process. The method is simple and proceeds under mild conditions under an air atomosphere to give phenanthridines in good to excellent yields. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim