Intramolecular redox cyclization reaction access to cinnolines from 2-nitrobenzyl alcohol and benzylamine via intermediate 2-nitrosobenzaldehyde

A transition-metal-free intramolecular redox cyclization reaction for the synthesis of cinnolines has been developed from 2-nitrobenzyl alcohol and benzylamine. Mechanistic investigations disclosed the involvement of a key intramolecular redox reaction, followed by condensation, azo isomerization to hydrazone, cyclization, and aromatization to form the desired products. Notably, the formation of intermediate 2-nitrosobenzaldehyde and ( E )-2-(2-benzylidenehydrazineyl) benzaldehyde plays an important role in this transformation.