Synthesis of 5,6-Dihydrophenanthridines via Palladium-Catalyzed Intramolecular Dehydrogenative Coupling of Two Aryl C-H Bonds.

5,6-Dihydrophenanthridines are common aza heterocycle frameworks of natural products and pharmaceuticals. Herein, we reported the first palladium-catalyzed intramolecular C-H/C-H dehydrogenative coupling reaction of two simple arenes to generate 5,6-dihydrophenanthridines. The approach features a broad substrate scope and good tolerance of functional groups, offering an efficient alternative synthesis route for important 5,6-dihydrophenanthridine compounds.