Synthesis of benzo[c][1,8]phenanthrolin-6-one through cyclization ofN-(isoquinol-5-yl)-2-bromo-benzamide derivatives

Abstract

In the course of our search for compounds with potential antitumor properties we have undertaken the synthesis of benzo[c][1,8]phenanthroline derivatives. Our project required the preparation of 8,9‐dimethoxy benzo[c][1,8]phenanthrolin‐6‐ones. This was first attempted by the lithiumdiisopropylamide cyclization of N‐(isoquinol‐5‐yl)‐2‐bromo‐4,5‐dimethoxybenzamide. The reaction led to 40% of the unexpected internal Diels‐Alder adduct 3,4‐dimethoxy‐6H‐pyrido[2,3‐i]6,8a‐ethenoindolo[cd]isoquinoline‐2(1H)‐one, which arose from a benzyne intermediate. In a second and more successful approach, the internal biaryl palladium diacetate‐assisted coupling reaction of properly N‐protected N‐(isoquinol‐5‐yl)‐2‐bromo‐4,5‐dimethoxybenzamide was studied. The optimisation of the protecting group necessary for this procedure led to a 64% yield of the target compound starting from N,N‐(isoquinol‐5‐yl)‐bis‐(2‐bromo‐4,5‐dimethoxybenzamide).