Synthesis of Aminophenanthrenes and Benzoquinolines via Hauser–Kraus Annulation of Sulfonyl Phthalide with Rauhut–Currier Adducts of Nitroalkenes

The Hauser–Kraus reaction of sulfonyl phthalide with nitroalkene derivatives provides access to aminophenanthrenes, including phenanthrene-substituted amino acids and benzoquinolines. The intermediate quinones bearing a key ketoalkyl moiety undergoes facile intramolecular enamine cyclization. Interestingly, enamines derived from primary and secondary amines undergo cyclization via C-centered nucleophilic attack to provide aminophenanthrenes, whereas those derived from ammonia undergo cyclization via N-centered nucleophilic attack leading to benzoquinolines. A one-pot protocol for the direct transformation of phthalides and nitroalkene derivatives to aminophenanthrenes and benzoquinolines has also been developed.