Synthesis of Aporphine Analogues via Palladium-Catalyzed Intramolecular Aryl-Aryl Dehydrogenative Coupling.

Reported herein is an intramolecular dehydrogenative coupling of two inert aryl C-H bonds for the synthesis of aporphine analogues. The process represents a novel tool for the preparation of aporphines via palladiun-catalyzed C-H bond activation. The present reaction is compatible with various functional groups, and the coupling products have been further applied for the synthesis of natural products aporphine and zenkerine.