Iron catalysts in organic synthesis are strongly in demand because iron is non-toxic, inexpensive and the most abundant transition metal in the earth, although their use is still limited compared with that of rare, precious metals such as palladium, ruthenium and rhodium. This thesis describes the first practical example of iron catalysis in the carbonhydrogen bond activation reaction to synthesized fused aromatic ring compounds. By using a unique combination of iron catalyst and dichloride oxidant, various kind of naphthalene and phenanthrene derivatives were synthesized via annulation reaction with alkynes including direct CH bond activation process. This achievement opens the new possibility of low-valent iron catalysis and expands synthetic methods for a sustainable society.

Nominated by The University of Tokyo as an outstanding Ph.D. thesis Provides examples of C-H bond activation which has attracted attention as an important chemical reaction in organic chemistry Shows researchers how to develop a new reactivity of iron that is not only a simple alternative to rare metals Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Inhalt
General Introduction.- Iron-Catalyzed Naphthalene Synthesis from Alkyne and Grignard Reagent.- Iron-Catalyzed Phenanthrene Synthesis from Alkyne and Grignard Reagent.- Iron-Catalyzed Phenanthrene Synthesis from Alkyne and Aryl Bromide Mediated by Metallic Magnesium.- Summary and Perspectives.