Oxa-Pictet-Spengler cyclization and microwave-assisted C-H arylation have been implemented as key steps in the synthesis of new isochroman heterocycles containing a 4,5,6a,7-tetrahydrodibenzo[de,g]chromene motif. These isochromans may be easily transformed to phenanthrene alkaloids via acidic cleavage of the isochroman ring and standard synthetic manipulations thereafter. The route described is attractive in that it provides access to two biologically interesting scaffolds in simple and high yielding synthetic steps.
Keywords: C-H activation; Direct arylation; Isochroman; Oxa-Pictet-Spengler; Phenanthrene.