Abstract: A new approach has been established for Rh(III)-catalyzed direct aza oxidative cyclization of non-prefunctionalized azobenzenes to provide 2-aryl-2H-benzotriazoles in good yields, in which AgNO3 instead of conventional azide reagents for the first time functions as the nitrogen source for the nitrogenation reaction. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest that the Rh(III)-catalyst could account for the nitration reaction, and subsequently cationic silver species might both play a vital role in the fission of the nitrogen-oxygen bonds in nitro groups and promote aza oxidative cyclization.

KeyWords Plus: C BOND-CLEAVAGE; SODIUM-AZIDE; CATALYZED NITROGENATION; REDUCTIVE CYCLIZATION; FACILE SYNTHESIS; CLICK CHEMISTRY; DERIVATIVES; ALKYNES; BENZOTRIAZOLES; CASCADE 

Published in CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS, 52 (61):9589-9592; 10.1039/c6cc04341k 2016