Somophilic Isocyanide Insertion: Synthesis of 6-Arylated and 6-Trifluoro­methylated Phenanthridines

A visible-light-promoted biaryl isocyanide insertion reaction has been developed to synthesize phenanthridine derivatives. The insertion proceeds via a radical process, and diaryliodonium salts and Umemoto's reagent were used as radical sources. A variety of 6-arylated, as well as 6-trifluoromethylated, phenanthridine derivatives were obtained smoothly in good to excellent yields under mild conditions.