PhI(OAc)2-Mediated Synthesis of 6-(Trifluoromethyl)phenanthridines by Oxidative Cyclization of 2-Isocyanobiphenyls with CF3SiMe3 under Metal-Free Conditions

A mild and efficient method for the synthesis of 6-(trifluoromethyl)phenanthridines through oxidative cyclization of 2-isocyanobiphenyls with CF3SiMe3 under metal-free conditions was developed. The reaction allows the direct formation of C-CF3 bonds and rapid access to phenanthridine ring systems in one catalytic cycle.