Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling and ring-closing metathesis: a strategic combination to the synthesis of indeno[1,2-c]isoquinolin-5,11-diones

A variety of diversely substituted isoindeno[1,2-c]isoquinolin-5,11-diones has been readily assembled through a sequence involving a Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction with enol phosphates combined with a ring-closing metathesis (RCM) reaction. Intramolecular carbocationic annulation reaction and ultimate oxidation of a latent hydroxyl functionality completed the synthesis of the target titled compounds.