PPh3/NaI driven photocatalytic decarboxylative cyclization of 2-isocyanobiaryls with alkyl NHP esters was developed. This simple protocol afforded a novel and environmentally friendly approach to furnish 6-alkyl phenanthridines in good yields.
A visible light-induced metal-free C(sp3)–H phenanthridinylation of simple alkanes with isonitrile is developed with H2O2 as a terminal sustainable oxidant.
A visible-light promoted transformation of 2-isocyanobiphenyls and arylsulfonyl chlorides for the synthesis of phenanthridines under oxidant-free and transition-metal-free conditions was described.