Substitution of a Nitro Group by Diazonium Salts in σH-Adducts of Carbanions to Mono-Nitrobenzenes. Formation of Substituted Azobenzenes and Indazoles

Abstract σH-Adducts formed at low temperature from nitrobenzene derivatives and carbanions stabilized by cyano, alkoxycarbonyl or sulfonyl groups react with benzenediazonium salts as nucleophiles, forming a new C-N bond preferentially at carbon atom bearing the nitro group. The so-formed intermediates eliminate HNO2 molecule under action of base, yielding substituted azobenzenes. Adducts of secondary carbanions, stabilized by cyano or sulfonyl groups to the ortho positions of nitrobenzenes, cyclize in situ to substituted indazoles. Some ortho σH-adducts of 1-chloroethyl phenyl sulfone carbanion add diazonium cations at meta position to the nitro group. In this case, the subsequent elimination of HCl leads to azo compounds retaining the nitro group in its original position.