Polycyclic fused phenanthridines: An alternative approach from benzotriazoles

Abstract

We describe an alternative approach to polycyclic phenanthridines (7) and some of their analogues using conditions much milder than those previously reported. The procedure includes the generation of a benzotriazole stabilized carbanion, oxidation of the resulting anion to a radical, and elimination of nitrogen followed by ring closure to produce phenanthridines.