Synthesis of Pyrrolophenanthridones By Aryl-Aryl Coupling Reactions

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(01)80515-9

The N-aroyl-4,6-dimethoxyindoles (15-21), prepared from 4,6-dimethoxyindole (14), were converted by palladium acetate in acetic acid into the pyrrolophenanthridones (22-28) in moderate yields (30-65percent).These products are related to some pyrrolophenanthridone alkaloids, which lack the methoxy groups.Similar aryl-aryl coupling reactions of N-benzylindoles could not be effected.Keywords: Indoles, pyrrolophenanthridones, alkaloids, palladium acetate, aryl-aryl coupling.