Metal free TBHP-promoted intramolecular carbonylation of arenes via radical cross-dehydrogenative coupling: synthesis of indenoquinolinones, 4-azafluorenones and fluorenones

A metal-free, TBHP-promoted economical route is developed via the sp(2) C-H bond functionalization strategy for the synthesis of indenoquinolinones, 4-azafluorenones and fluorenones. Reactions provided excellent yield of the products under mild conditions. We have successfully synthesized 11H-indeno [1,2-b]quinolin-11-one, an antibacterial agent, in excellent yields.