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-substitutedphenanthridine derivatives. The addition of radical to the isonitrile followed by a radical aromatic cyclization is involved in this