Synthesis of Dihydrophenanthridines and Oxoimidazolidines from Anilines and Ethylglyoxylate via Aza Diels-Alder Reaction of Arynes and KF-Induced Annulation

The transition-metal-free multicomponent coupling of arynes, anilines, and ethylglyoxylate, proceeding via an inverse electron-demand aza Diels-Alder cycloaddition and N-arylation, has been demonstrated. This protocol allows rapid access to N-aryl dihydrophenanthridine derivatives in moderate to high yields at room temperature from readily available starting materials. In addition, an unprecedented fluoride induced annulation of ethyl(arylimino)acetates led to the formation of highly functionalized oxoimidazolidine derivatives in good yields under mild conditions.