One-step synthesis of indolizino[3,4,5-ab]isoindoles by manganese(i)-catalyzed C-H activation: structural studies and photophysical properties

Cembellin, Sara; Maisuls, Ivan; Daniliuc, Constantin G.; Osthues, Helena; Doltsinis, Nikos L.; Strassert, Cristian A.; Glorius, Frank

Abstract

Herein, a regioselective synthesis of indolizino[3,4,5-ab]isoindoles, a valuable class of heterocycles with interesting luminescence properties, is described using manganese(I)-catalyzed C–H activation. The reported transformation proceeds in one-step and employs readily available 2-phenylpyridines as starting materials. Furthermore, the obtained single products exhibit blue-greenish fluorescence with high quantum yields.