Studies on cyclization of o-(alka-1,3-diynyl)arenediazonium salts

The Richter reaction of o-(alka-1,3-diynyl)arenediazonium salts, obtained by diazotization of diacetylenic derivatives of anilines, leads to 3-alkynyl-4-chloro- or 3-alkynyl-4-bromocinnolines and/or 3-alkynyl-4-hydroxycinnolines (the latter cyclize into furo[3,2-c]-cinnolines under the reaction conditions). 3-Alkynyl-4-chlorocinnolines undergo solvolysis in methanol giving rise to 3-alkynyl-4-methoxycinnolines, the subsequent hydrolysis of which also gives furo[3,2-c]cinnolines. Effects of the nature of substituents in the aromatic ring and of the reaction conditions on the product composition and yields have been established. The reaction course has been studied by spectrophotometry.