Binaphthyl stabilized palladium nanoparticles (Pd-BNP) catalyzed synthesis of biologically active phenanthridinones via domino C-H activation followed by C-C and C-N bond formation strategy in open air conditions is disclosed. This method works well with a broad range of N-methoxybenzamides and aryliodides substrates with different functional groups. The reaction is catalyzed by 1.5 mol% of heterogeneous Pd-BNP catalyst and afforded the phenanthridinones up to 87% yield with exclusive regioselectivity. Hot centrifuge test, UV spectroscopy analysis and Hg poisoning test are proved the heterogeneous nature of Pd-BNP catalyst. (C) 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.