Mn(iii)-mediated reactions of 2-isocyanobiaryl with 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds: efficient synthesis of 6-alkylated and 6-monofluoro-alkylated phenanthridines

Mn(III)-mediated reactions of 2-isocyanobiaryls with 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds were described for the construction of 6-alkylated and 6-monofluoro-alkylated phenanthridines in moderate to good yields. The reaction involves formation of two new C–C bonds and one C–C bond cleavage.