Synthesis of some 5H-benzo[a]phenoxazin-5-one derivatives

The substituted 6-bromo and 6-chloro-5H-benzo[a]phenoxazin-5-ones, prepared by condensation of substituted 2-aminophenols with 2,3-dibromo or 2,3-dichloro-1,4-naphthoquinone in methanolic potassium hydroxide solution, have been dehalogenated to substituted 5H-benzo[a]phenoxazin-5-ones in the presence of sodium hydrosulfite dissolved in aqueous pyridine under nitrogen atmosphere.