Synthesis of Tribenzo[b,e,g]phosphindole Oxides via Radical Bicyclization Cascades of o-Arylalkynylanilines.

A new DTBP/Mg(NO3)2-mediated bicyclization cascade of o-arylalkynylanilines with secondary arylphosphine oxides has been developed, enabling dual C(sp2)-H functionalization along with the cleavage of the C-N bond. The combination between regioselective P-centered radical-triggered [3 + 2] cyclization and C-centered radical-induced cross-coupling in a one-pot manner delivered 27 examples of tribenzo[b,e,g]phosphindole oxides with generally high regioselectivity. A reasonable mechanism for forming such products involving radical addition-cyclization cascade is proposed.