Access to tricyclic heteroarenes by an iodine-promoted cyclization reaction

Abstract

For many years, investigations on nitrogenous heterocycles have been an essential part of organic chemistry due to their widespread use in medications. Our research examines alternative ways to prepare nitrogen-containing heteroarenes while minimizing the formation of unwanted by-products. Many of our target molecules have structural similarities with biologically active compounds that are commonly used for numerous conditions, such as cancer, anxiety, and fungal infections. By optimizing a preliminary procedure from the Bolliger lab, we were able to improve the isolated yields for the iodine-promoted cyclization step. In this presentation, we will discuss the results of our cyclization reaction and discuss possible reaction mechanisms. Ultimately, we hope our research will pave a pathway to novel species with biologically relevant functional groups.