Catalyst-free microwave-assisted amination of 2-chloro-5-nitrobenzoic acid.

The synthesis of N-substituted 5-nitroanthranilic acid derivatives 3a-w was achieved by a new, mild, microwave-assisted, regioselective amination reaction of 5-nitro-2-chlorobenzoic acid (1a) with a diverse range of aliphatic and aromatic amines 2a-w without added solvent or catalyst. Up to >99% isolated yield was obtained within 5-30 min at 80-120 degrees C. The reaction, which is suitable for upscaling, yielded new compounds that are of considerable interest as useful building blocks and as potential drugs.