The first example of the 1,7-electrocyclisation of a non-stabilised azometh
ine ylide, e.g. 2, onto a nitro group, to give a 1,2,6-oxadiazepine interme
diate, e.g. 4, is reported. Subsequent ring contraction results in the form
ation of the indazole-N-oxides 5, 12, and 14. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd
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