Efficient synthesis of stable trihydropyrrolo[1, 2-a][1,10]phenanthrolines via a domino-Knoevenagel-cyclization

1-[4-methylphenacyl]-1,10-phenanthrolinium N-ylide, reacts with CH acids such as malonitrile or ethyl cyanoacetate and aromatic aldehydes via a domino-Knoevenagel cyclization to produce a new class of 9,9-dicyano (or 9-cyano-9-ethoxy carbonyl) -10-(aryl)-11-(4-methylbenzoyl) -8a,10,11–trihydro- pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,10] phenanthrolines as stable helical compounds in a simple and efficient protocol in excellent yields.