Oxidative cascade cyclization of 2-cyano-3-arylaniline derived acrylamides with toluenes, ethers, aliphatic alcohols or simple alkanes

An oxidative radical cascade cyclization of 2-cyano-3-arylaniline derived acrylamides with hydrocarbons is described. The present reaction exhibits a wide substrate scope, and toluenes, ethers, aliphatic alcohols and simple alkanes can be employed as coupling partners, provides a access to alkyl substituted pyrido[4,3,2-gh]phenanthridines.