6-Perfluoroalkylated Phenanthridines via Radical Perfluoroalkylation of Isonitriles

A simple and efficient approach to 6-perfluoroalkylated phenanthridines starting with readily prepared isonitriles and commercially available cheap perfluoroalkyl iodides as perfluoroalkyl radical precursors is described. Various 6-perfluoroalkylated phenanthridines are obtained in moderate to excellent yields. The sequence comprises a perfluoroalkylation with concomitant arene formation.