Intramolecular Direct C H Bond Arylation from Aryl Chlorides: A Transition- Metal-Free Approach for Facile Access of Phenanthridines

Yinuo Wu,† Shun Man Wong,† Fei Mao,‡ Tek Long Chan,† and Fuk Yee Kwong*,†  

http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ol302489n 

In this work, Kwong and coworkers demonstrate a general tactic to C-H activation/intramolecular arylation.  The advantages of this route are that it's TM-free, and that the catalyst system is really inexpensive.  The reaction presumably goes through a radical-based mechanism.