1-Trifluoromethylated isoquinolines via radical trifluoromethylation of isonitriles.

A simple and efficient approach to biologically important 1-trifluoromethylated isoquinolines starting with readily prepared β-aryl-α-isocyano-acrylates and the commercially available Togni reagent as the CF3 radical precursor is described. These transformations occur in the absence of any transition metals and the title compounds are obtained in moderate to excellent yields. This protocol comprises a trifluoromethylation with concomitant isoquinoline framework construction.