Dibenzofulvenes (DBFs) and 9,10-phenanthrenequinones (PQs) are synthesized through a coupling reaction of 2-bromobiaryl compounds with different ester electrophiles by using the unique reactivity of organolanthanum heterocyclic intermediates. This method features a one-pot procedure, transition-metal-free conditions, readily available substrates, and the ability to provide direct access to both DBFs and PQs.

Dibenzofulvenes (DBFs) and 9,10-phenanthrenequinones (PQs) are valuable biaryl derivatives with unique applications in many fields. The development of their synthetic methods is of great importance in organic synthesis. A one-pot coupling reaction of 2-bromobiaryls with ester electrophiles is reported, exploiting the exceptional reactivity of organolanthanum heterocyclic intermediates. The reaction enables precise installation of CC and CO moieties at the 2,2′-positions of biaryl scaffolds, providing convenient access to DBFs and PQs with high efficiency and good substrate availability.