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. 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.