Visible-light-promoted iminyl radical formation from vinyl azides: synthesis of 6-(fluoro)alkylated phenanthridines.

An efficient strategy assisted by visible-light-promoted iminyl radical formation has been developed for the synthesis of 6-(fluoro)alkylated phenanthridine derivatives. In the reactions, addition of alkyl and trifluoromethyl radicals onto vinyl azides gives iminyl radicals, which then undergo intramolecular homolytic aromatic substitution leading to phenanthridines. These reactions can be carried out under mild conditions with high chemical yields and broad substrate scope.