MeOTf- and TBD-Mediated Carbonylation of ortho-Arylanilines with CO2 Leading to Phenanthridinones

Carbonylation of o-arylanilines utilizing CO2 as a carbonyl source for the synthesis of important phenanthridinones with a free (NH)-lactam motif has been described under metal-free condition. A range of o-arylanilines were transformed to the corresponding phenanthridinones in high yields.