Synthesis of Substituted Acridones and Pyranoacridines through Metal-Catalyzed C–H Bond Activation Strategy

An efficient rhodium(III)-catalyzed oxidative bis-Heck-type olefination of acridone has been demonstrated using a C-H bond activation strategy. This reaction works very well with various acrylates and styrenes. Additionally, the synthesis of different pyranoacridines via a ruthenium(II)-catalyzed annulation protocol has also been achieved. The described protocols are quite compatible with various functional groups, and the desired products are isolated in moderate to good yields. Further, the preliminary photophysical properties of the synthesized pyranoacridines have also been studied.