Metal-free oxidative isocyanides insertion with aromatic aldehydes to aroylated N-heterocycles.

A metal-free, mild and efficient protocol for the construction of aroylated N-heterocycles via radical cascade aroylation of phenyl or vinyl isocyanides with aromatic aldehydes has been developed. Both phenanthridine and isoquinoline derivatives are delivered quickly in moderate to good yields with high regioselectivity.