N-Benzyl-2-nitrobenzenesulfonamides underwent base-mediated intramolecular arylation at the benzyl sp(3) carbon to yield benzhydrylamines. The presence of electron withdrawing groups on the aromatic ring of the benzyl group was required to facilitate the C-arylation. Unsymmetrically substituted benzhydrylamines are advanced intermediates toward nitrogenous heterocycles, as exemplified in the syntheses of indazole oxides and quinazolines.
Keywords: C−C bond formation; arylation; benzhydrylamine; heterocycle; indazole oxide; nitrobenzenesulfonamides; quinazoline.