Synthesis of indolones and quinolones by reductive cyclisation of o-nitroaryl acids using zinc dust and ammonium formate

Abstract

A novel protocol for the synthesis of indolone and quinolone derivatives from o-nitroaryl acids was developed using Zn and HCO2NH4 under supercritical fluid carbon dioxide (scCO2) medium. The process involves the reduction of the nitro group to an amino group followed by in situ cyclisation.