Phenanthrene Synthesis via Chromium-Catalyzed Annulation of 2-Biaryl Grignard Reagents and Alkynes

A chromium/2,2'-bipyridine-catalyzed annulation reaction of 2-biarylmagnesium reagents with alkynes is reported. The reaction is applicable to a variety of aryl-and/or alkyl-substituted internal alkynes as well as 2-biaryl and related Grignard reagents, thus affording phenanthrene derivatives in moderate to good yields. The reaction proceeds at the expense of excess alkyne as a hydrogen acceptor and thus does not need an external oxidant. Deuterium-labeling experiments shed light on the reaction mechanism, which likely involves multiple intramolecular C-H activation processes on chromium.