The benzoyl peroxide promoted dual C-C bond formation via dual C-H bond cleavage: α-phenanthridinylation of ether by isocyanide.

The benzoyl peroxide-promoted α-phenanthridinylation of ether by isocyanide is developed, proceeding through dual C-H bond cleavage and dual C-C bond formation. The procedure tolerates a series of functional groups, such as methyl, fluoro, chloro, acetyl, methoxy carbonyl, cyano, and trifluoromethyl. Thus, it represents a facile pathway leading to 6-substituted phenanthridine derivatives. The addition of radical to the isonitrile followed by a radical aromatic cyclization is involved in this transformation.