Unexpected reactivity between aromatic nitro compounds and PCl3/AlCl3. A new one-pot synthesis of phenazines

The reaction between 4-nitroalkoxybenzenes 7 and PCl₃/AlCl₃, when carried out in appropriate molar ratio, gives a prevalent formation of diazenes 8 and 2,7-dialkoxyphenazines 9 with their new chlorinated derivatives 10-13. These compounds are obtained, in satisfactory yield, in a one-pot procedure, in mild conditions, from commercially available and safe starting materials. In this reaction both the reagents PCl₃ and AlCl₃ play a fundamental role in obtaining the products, and this method might be applicable to other 4-alkoxynitrobenzenes.