Synthesis of phenanthridones using Diels-Alder reactions of 4-substituted 2(1H)-quinolones acting as dienophiles

Diels-Alder reactions of 2(1H)-quinolones having an electron-withdrawing group at the 4-position with 1,3-butadiene derivatives were carried out to give the phenanthridones richly functionalized under the conditions of atmospheric and high pressure. Furthermore, the reactivities of 4-substituted 2(1H)-quinolones acting as a dienophile were examined using MO calculation.