Dual role of polyphosphoric acid-activated nitroalkanes in oxidative peri -annulations: Efficient synthesis of 1,3,6,8-tetraazapyrenes

A highly efficient synthetic method for expeditious and selective assembly of tetraazopyrenes (TAPy) is reported, based on the novel reaction of electrophilically activated nitroalkanes with aromatic amines. Remarkably, the nitroalkanes play a dual role in this process, also serving as mild and efficient oxidants promoting aromatization of the final product and allowing for the exclusion of a poorly controllable aerobic treatment. © 2017 The Royal Society of Chemistry.