Oxidation reactions, transition-metal natural products synthesis

Phenanthridinone derivatives have been reported to be found in a number of natural alkaloids and exhibit a wide range of biological activities. In the case of starting from bi-functionalized arenes with transition metal catalysts, the intramolecular cyclization of 2-bromo-iV-arylbenzamides via C-H activation is the most direct pathway, which has been applied in the synthesis of anti-hepatitis C virus agents and materials. Remarkably, Yao, Xu and their co-workers developed a one-pot procedure for the synthesis of a pyrrolophenanthridone skeleton via an intramolecular Heck reaction and oxidation of N-(2-bromobenzyl) substituted indoles. Moderate to good yields of the desired products were isolated in one step (Scheme 3.67). From the point view of academic interest, the... 

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