Cascade reaction for the synthesis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons via transient directing group strategy

A Pd(II)-catalyzed cascade synthesis of diverse polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons via transient directing group strategy has been developed, involving the consecutive arylation, cyclization and aromatization. The efficiency and practicality were demonstrated by wide substrate range, concise synthetic pathway and mild reaction conditions. The subsequent transformations of the benza]anthracene core accessed natural bioactive PAH molecules.