Derivatives of benm[c]-2.7-naphthyridines have been prepared in good yields andin one step through the use of the Pd(0)-catalyzed cross couplings of Cfonnyl-and bacetyl-3-pyridyluimethylstannanes with onho-bromoacetanilides. Perlolidine, an alkaloids present in perennial rye grass, was readily prepared in a few steps taking advantage of the cross coupling.An approach towards the pentacyclic ring skeleton of meridine has also been made, leading to several new derivatives of benza[c]-2.7-naphthyridine. All cross couplings are greatly promoted by the addition of staichiometric amounts of copper(I1) oxide and a comparison with the use of other catalytic systems in the Pd(0)-catalyzed cross couplings is made.In connection with our work on the effects of the mode of annelation on physical properties and reactivities of tricyclic heterocyclic systems with the phenanthrene annelation pattern, we have previously described convenient one-pot procedures involving Pd(0)-catalyzed cross couplings for the synthesis of phe-
nanthrene, thieno[b,c]quinolines and isoquinolines, dithieno[b,d]pyridines and thieno[b,c]naphthyridines(for reviews cf. refs.',2).
While preparing the 24 isomers of the thieno[b and c]-fused naphthyridines we experienced problems withStille type reactions. We therefore introduced the concept of using a co-reagent, in an attempt to raise the yields in these reactions. Silver(1) oxide was the first co-reagent used and good results were obtained both regarding the reaction rate and the yield when applied to low yielding sluggish reactions. 3.4 The usefulness of silver(1) oxide as co-reagent has also been shown by other group^.^,^ As the yields of the thieno[bl-fused naphthyridines7 still were low, a large amount of other additives were tested whereby copper(I1) oxide was found to be an even better ~o -r e a g e n t .~-'~