Pd-Catalyzed Alkene-Relayed Intermolecular C-H Alkylation Using Aryl Halide Substrates.

Alkene-relayed C-H activation represents a novel strategy for functionalizing C-H bonds selectively. We developed a Pd-catalyzed annulation reaction of 2-iodobiphenyls with maleimides that act as a relay for C-H alkylation. The reaction features broad substrate scope and high efficiency, providing a straightforward method for the synthesis of succinimide-fused 9,10-dihydrophenanthrenes. The reaction using acenaphthylene as the relay has also been developed, which allows easy access to dibenzo[ j , l ]fluoranthenes.