An efficient synthesis of 3-aroylcinnolines starting from the appropriate a
ryl methyl ketones is described. The latter were converted in two steps to
the corresponding 3-oxo-3-aryl-2-arylhydrazonopropanals, which upon acid ca
talyzed cyclization in cone. sulfuric acid or polyphosphoric acid (PPA) led
to the corresponding 3-aroylcinnolines. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All
rights reserved.