Synthesis of phenyl(benzyl)-substituted (in the pyridine ring) azafluorenes

Phenyl and benzyl groups were introduced in the 1 position of 3-methyl-2-azafluorene by treatment of it or its N-oxide with organometallic compounds. 1-Phenyl-substituted 2-azafluorene was also obtained by catalytic dehydrocyclization of 2,5-dimethyl-4,6-diphenylpyridine, during which the simultaneous formation of the isomeric 4-azafluorene was established. © 1977 Plenum Publishing Corporation.