Synthesis of Cyano-Containing Phenanthridine Derivatives via Catalyst-, Base-, and Oxidant-Free Direct Cyanoalkylarylation of Isocyanides.

An efficient catalyst-, base-, and oxidant-free direct cyanoalkylarylation of isocyanides with AIBN has been developed under mild conditions. This strategy provides an elusive and rapid access to a wide range of cyano-containing phenanthridine derivatives in good yields via a one-pot alkylation/cyclization radical-cascade process. The mild reaction conditions together with no need of any catalyst, base, or oxidant make this protocol environmentally benign and practical.