Synthesis of 6-Aryl-5-iodobenzo[e]pyrido[1,2-a]indoles by 6-endo-dig Iodocyclization

Regioselective access to 6-aryl-5-iodobenzo[e]pyrido[1,2-a]indoles was realized by using a facile 6-endo-dig iodine-mediated cyclization under mild reaction conditions. Further functionalization of the resulting products by using Pd-catalyzed coupling reactions was demonstrated, leading to the tetracyclic core substituted with two distinct functional groups in a regioselective fashion. Give me a ring! A range of 6-aryl-5-iodobenzo[e]pyrido[1,2-a]indoles were regioselectively synthesized by mild iodine-mediated cyclization. Further molecular diversity was achieved by reaction of the 5-iodo group in a Pd-catalyzed reaction.