Synthesis of Phenanthridinones from N-methoxybenzamides and aryltriethoxysilanes through Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H and N-H bond activation.

An efficient method for the one-pot synthesis of substituted phenanthridinone derivatives from N-methoxybenzamides and aryltriethoxysilanes through rhodium-catalyzed dual C-H bond activation and annulation reactions is described. A double-cycle mechanism is proposed to account for this catalytic reaction. In addition, isotope-labeling studies were performed to understand the intimate mechanism of the reaction.