A novel and efficient synthesis of phenanthrene derivatives via palladium/norbornadiene-catalyzed domino one-pot reaction

Herein we report a novel palladium-catalyzed reaction that results in phenanthrene derivatives using aryl iodides, ortho-bromobenzoyl chlorides and norbornadiene in one pot. This dramatic transformation undergoes ortho-C–H activation, decarbonylation and subsequent a retro-Diels–Alder process. Pleasantly, this protocol has a wider substrate range, shorter reaction times and higher yields of products than previously reported methods.