Microwave enhanced reduction of nitro and azido arenes to N-arylformamides employing Zn-HCOONH4:: synthesis of 4(3H)-quinazolinones and pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepines

Microwave mediated reduction of nitro and azido arenes to N-arylformamides using Zn-HCOONH4 is described. In the absence of microwave conditions, this methodology affords amines. This protocol has been extended to the synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepines and 4(3H)-quinazolinones. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.