Formation of 1,10-disubstituted benzo

The first 1,10-heterodisubstituted benzo[c]cinnoline derivative 1 was prepared from the trinitrobiphenyl 2. Investigation of the mechanism of ring closure in 2, 5, and 8 revealed a complex reduction-oxidation-cyclization sequence. The mechanism is discussed in light of the stereoelectronic demands of the substituent functionalities. Benzo[c]cinnoline derivative 1 [C15H15N3S, monoclinic, P2(1)/c: a = 7.4063(3) A, b = 10.3739(5) A, c = 16.7642(8) A, beta = 91.816(1) degrees, Z = 4] and its 5-N-oxide 7(N5) [C18H18N3OS, triclinic, Pi: a = 8.1510(7) A, b = 8.6106(7) A, c = 12.102(1) A, alpha = 86.262(1) degrees, beta = 83.364(1) degrees, gamma = 74.711(1) degrees, Z = 4] were structurally characterized and showed a significant helical distortion of the heterocyclic ring. Oxidation of 1 with NCS or triamine 12 with PhI(OAc)2 led to a new heterocyclic ring system, ylide 13. Both benzo[c]cinnoline 1 and ylide 13 were characterized spectroscopically and the absorption spectra were correlated with the results of ZINDO calculations.