Synthesis of 1-benzyl-8,9-dihydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyrrolo[3,2-g]quinolin-4(5H)-one via palladium-catalyzed intramolecular arylation

The synthesis of a novel tetracyclic structure, 8,9-dihydroimidazo[4,5-c]pyrrolo[3,2-g]quinolin-4(5H)-one, has been achieved by a convergent pathway. Coupling of the weakly nucleophilic hindered aromatic amine with 1-benzylimidazole-4-carboxylic acid, , afforded the corresponding amide using a DCP/DMF complex; subsequent Heck-type arylation leading to desired tetracyclic molecule imidazo[4,5-c]-pyrrolo[3,2-g]quinolin-4(5H)-one.