Pd-Catalyzed C-H Activation/C-N Bond Formation: A New Route to 1-Aryl-1H-benzotriazoles

A method for the C-H activation of aryl triazene compounds followed by intramolecular amination is described. It involves the use of a catalytic amount of Pd(OAc)(2) that efficiently effects the cyclization to provide 1-aryl-1H-benzotriazoles at moderate temperature.