Base and catalyst-free synthesis of nitrobenzodiazepines via a cascade N-nitroallylation-intramolecular aza-Michael addition involving o-phenylenediamines and nitroallylic acetates

A [4+3] annulation of o-phenylenediamines with primary nitroallylic acetates affords nitrobenzodiazepines (NBDZs) in good to excellent yield. The reaction which proceeds in MeOH at room temperature in the absence of any base or catalyst involves a cascade S_N2 N-nitroallylation-intramolecular aza-Michael addition sequence. In the case of mono-N-arylated o-phenylenediamines and o-aminobenzamides, the reaction stops at the S_N2 stage affording nitroallylic amines. On the other hand, reaction of o-aminobenzamides with secondary nitroallylic acetates delivers S_N2′ products. Formation of stable S_N2 and S_N2′ products provides insights into the reactivity of primary and secondary nitroallylic acetates and also the mechanism of formation of nitrobenzodiazepines.