Abstract A new protocol for the palladium-catalyzed free-amine-directed alkenylation of C (sp 2)[BOND] H bonds and cycloamination is described. Substituted biaryl-2-amines react with various alkenes, including electron-deficient alkenes, aryl alkenes and alkyl alkenes, to give the corresponding phenanthridines with exclusive regioselectivity. The use of α- branched styrenes leads to the formation of tricyclic compounds with a seven-membered ...
