Regio- and Stereoselective Synthesis of the Core Structure of Hexahydrobenzo[<i>c</i>]phenanthridine Alkaloids via Redox-Neutral Cp*Rh(III)-Catalyzed C–H/N–H Annulation of Cyclic Alkenes with Benzamides

A highly stereo- and regioselective synthesis of the core skeleton of hexahydrobenzo­[c]­phenanthridine-type alkaloids is reported herein for the first time. A wide range of substrate scope, excellent functional group tolerance, and good to excellent yields were observed. This protocol gives very concise and efficient access to the core skeleton of chelidonine alkaloids as compared to the earlier approaches.