Synthesis of derivatives of 2-(o-nitrobenzyl)pyridine

Diazotization of 2-(o-nitro-p-aminobenzyl)pyridine (I) in concentrated H₂SO₄ and subsequent diazo-reaction lead to the formation of 2-(o-nitro-p-halogenbenzyl)pyridines. During the acylation reaction with acetic anhydride and benzoyl chloride, the corresponding derivatives are readily formed. Compound I reacts with benzyl chloride with the formation of the corresponding monoand dibenzyl derivatives and with p-nitrobenzaldehyde with the formation of the corresponding azomethine.