Cu-Catalyzed π-Core Evolution of Benzoxadiazoles with Diaryliodonium Salts for Regioselective Synthesis of Phenazine Scaffolds

The Cu-catalyzed regioselective synthesis of phenazine N-oxides was realized from benzoxadiazoles and diaryliodonium salts. The process was initiated by the electrophilic arylation of benzoxadiazoles with diaryliodonium salts and followed by benzocyclization reactions. The further reduction of N-oxides in situ to phenazine scaffolds and deviation to organic fluorescent materials were readily accomplished.