Modular Synthesis of Phenanthridine Derivatives by Oxidative Cyclization of 2‐Isocyanobiphenyls with Organoboron Reagents

Abstract

Where HAS you been? A manganese-mediated annulation of 2-isocyanobiaryls with organoboronic acids is developed for the synthesis of a broad range of phenanthridine derivatives. Mechanistic studies indicate that the reaction proceeds by the intramolecular homolytic aromatic substitution (HAS) of an imidoyl radical intermediate.