Synthesis of 6-(Trifluoromethyl)phenanthridines via Palladium-Catalyzed Tandem Suzuki/C-H Arylation Reactions

A palladium-catalyzed tandem Suzuki/C-H arylation reaction of N-aryltrifluoroacetimidoyl chlorides with arylboronic acids has been developed. A variety of 6-(trifluoromethyl)phenanthridines were prepared in moderate to excellent yields from N-(2-bromophenyl)-trifluoroacetimidoyl chlorides which can be conveniently prepared from 2-bromoaniline derivatives.