Synthesis of cyano-2,3-dihydropyrrolo[1,2- f]phenanthridine derivatives via a domino-Knoevenagel-cyclization.

In a new multicomponent reaction phenanthridine reacts with isocyanides and malonitrile in the presence of benzaldehyde derivatives to produce 2-aryl-3-(alkyl- or arylimino)-2,3-dihydropyrrolo[1,2- f]phenanthridine-1,1(12b H)-dicarbonitrile in a simple, mild, and efficient protocol in excellent yields. Graphical Abstract: [MediaObject not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]