A versatile synthesis of fully aromatic benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(98)00540-7

A versatile new approach for the synthesis of benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids is described and is illustrated by the preparation of eight different alkaloids. The key steps are Smiles rearrangements, which allow easy access to 2-bromo-1-naphthylamines from 2-bromo-1-naphthols, and the attachment of the D-ring unit by Suzuki coupling.