Expedited Synthesis of Matrine Analogues through an Oxidative Cascade Addition/Double‐Cyclization Radical Process

The addition of a nicotinate–xanthate derivative to N ‐allylindoles and N ‐allylpyrroles resulted in polycyclic heterocycle‐fused pyridonaphthyridines through a tandem radical intermolecular/intramolecular oxidative addition reaction sequence that created three new C–C bonds and two new rings in a single event. Such polyheterocycles showcase the matrine alkaloid framework and are similar to indole–monoterpenoid natural products.