Silver-Catalyzed Tandem Trifluoromethylation and Cyclization of Aryl Isonitriles with the Langlois Reagent

A mild and efficient procedure for the silver-catalyzed tandem trifluoromethylation and cyclization of aryl isonitriles with the Langlois­ reagent (sodium triflinate) is developed. A series of trifluoromethylated phenanthridines is prepared in moderate to good yields from a cheap and stable trifluoromethyl source.