Photochemistry of benzotriazoles: Generation of 1,3-diradicals and intermolecular cycloaddition as a new route toward indoles and dihydropyrrolo[3,4-b]indoles

Article abstract of DOI:10.3390/molecules191220695

Irradiation of benzotriazoles 1a-e at λ = 254 nm in acetonitrile solution generated the corresponding 1,3-diradicals which underwent intermolecular cycloaddition with maleimides to afford the corresponding dihydropyrrolo[3,4-b]indoles and with acetylene derivatives to afford indoles as the major products. This offers an interesting and simple access to such ring systems of potential synthetic and biological interest. The structures of the photoproducts were established spectroscopically and by single crystal X-ray crystallography.

Full text of DOI:10.3390/molecules191220695

Molecules 2014, 19, 20695-20708; doi:10.3390/molecules191220695
OPEN ACCESS
molecules
ISSN 1420-3049
www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules
Article
Photochemistry of Benzotriazoles: Generation of 1,3-Diradicals
and Intermolecular Cycloaddition as a New Route toward
Indoles and Dihydropyrrolo[3,4-b]Indoles
Nader A. Al-Jalal *, Maher R. Ibrahim, Nouria A. Al-Awadi, Mohamed H. Elnagdi and
Yehia A. Ibrahim
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 5969, Safat 13060,
Kuwait; E-Mails: maherriyad@hotmail.com (M.R.I.); n.alawadi@ku.edu.kw (N.A.A.-A.);
shelmy1941@yahoo.com (M.H.E.); yehiaibrahim2002@yahoo.com (Y.A.I.)
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: nader.aljalal@ku.edu.kw;
Tel.: +965-24-987-079; Fax: +965-24-816-482.
External Editor: Derek J. McPhee
Received: 4 November 2014; in revised form: 26 November 2014 / Accepted: 27 November 2014 /
Published: 11 December 2014
Abstract: Irradiation of benzotriazoles 1a–e at λ = 254 nm in acetonitrile solution generated
the corresponding 1,3-diradicals which underwent intermolecular cycloaddition with
maleimides to afford the corresponding dihydropyrrolo[3,4-b]indoles and with acetylene
derivatives to afford indoles as the major products. This offers an interesting and simple
access to such ring systems of potential synthetic and biological interest.
The structures of the photoproducts were established spectroscopically and by single crystal
X-ray crystallography.
Keywords: photolysis; benzotriazoles; maleimides; alkynes; indoles; pyrrolo[3,4-b]indoles
1. Introduction
The photochemistry of benzotriazoles 1 has been extensively studied in the past [1–5]. Katritzky et al.,
has already reviewed this chemistry in several review articles [6,7]. Scheme 1 summarizes the photolytic
reactions of benzotriazoles which occur through initial extrusion of molecular nitrogen and formation of
the diradical intermediate 2, followed by subsequent rearrangement to: (i) cyanocyclopentadiene [8,9];

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(ii) ring closure to condensed heterocyclic products [10–12]; (iii) reaction with solvent to yield
2-aminobiphenyl [13,14]; and (iv) intramolecularphotocycloaddtion to produce indoles and
benzimidazoles [15,16].
Scheme 1. Literature photolysis of benzotriazole derivatives.
Ph
NH
R
N
H
ii) hν, λ > 290 nm
iii) hν, λ > 290 nm
CH3CN
Benzene
R = H, -CH2Ph
R = Ar
i) hν, λ = 254 nm
Ar or N2 Matrix, 12 K
hν
C
N
N
C
-N2
CN
N
R
R = H
N
R
NR
1
diradical carbene intermediate 2
iv) hν, λ = 254 nm
CH3CN
R = alkenyl
Y
X
N
R'
a, X = CH, Y = NMe2
b, X = N, Y = NHAr
In the present work, we describe intermolecular trapping of the photochemically generated diradical
intermediate 2 and its derivatives with alkenes or alkynes. To the best of our knowledge this
intermolecular reaction has not been reported before and is expected to offer a new and simple route
to indole and dihydropyrrolo[3,4-b]indolederivatives. These compounds are structurally similar to
1,2-dihydropyrrolo[3,4-b]indol-3(4H)-one and its derivatives which have been reported as a vital class
of pharmaceutical moieties such as mG1uR1 antagonists [17], cannabinoid 2 receptor agonists [18],
potent inhibitor of purified human rennin [19] and therapeutic agents for the treatment of osteoporosis [20].
2. Results and Discussion
Irradiation of acetonitrile solution of benzotriazole (1a) and N-phenylmaleimide (3a) using a 16 W
low pressure mercury arc-lamp (λ = 254 nm) led to the formation of three products 4a, 6a and 7a
(Scheme 2). The major product of this reaction was 2-phenyl-3a,4-dihydropyrrolo[3,4-b]indole-1,3(2H,
8bH)-dione (4a, Figure 1).
Several experiments were carried out in order to optimize the formation of 4a, and the results are
summarized in Table 1. From this table it is clear that the best reaction condition for the formation of
the pyrroloindole 4a is achieved by irradiating 1a and 3a (1:2 molar ratio) in acetonitrile for 16 h. The
formation of 4a in the reaction mixture was monitored by the Ha and Hb proton signals, which appear
as two doublet signals at δ: 4.85, 4.61 ppm (J = 9.2 Hz) in the 1H-NMR spectra as shown in Figure 1.

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1
The percent yield of 4a in the reaction mixture was calculated by H-NMR using DCM as calibration
reference, as reported previously [21].
Scheme 2. Products of irradiation of benzotriazoles 1a–e with maleimides 3a–c.
O
N
N
3a, X = C6H5
3b, X = CH3
3c, X = H
1a, R = H
1b, R = CH3
1c, R = C2H5
1d, R = CH2CN
1e, R = CH2Ac
N X
+
N
R
O
3a-c
1a-e
hν, λ = 254 nm
H
O
X
O
H
O
NHX
N
O
X
N
N
N X
N
O
O
N
N
R
N
R
N
H
O
O
N
4a-i
N
7a-c
5
4a, R =H; X = C6H5
4b, R = H; X = CH3
7a, X = C6H5
7b, X = CH3
7c, X = H
R = CH3
X = C6H5
6a,b
6a, X = C6H5
6b, X = H
4c, R = H; X = H
4d, R = CH3; X = C6H5
1
4e, R = CH3; X = CH3
4f, R = CH3; X = H
4g, R = C2H5; X = C6H5
4h, R = CH2CN; X = C6H5
4i, R = CH2Ac; X = C6H5
Figure 1. 1H-NMR of: (A) reaction mixture of benzotriazole (1a) with N-phenylmaleimide
(3a) before irradiation, and (B) reaction mixture after irradiation using low pressure
Hg-lamp (λ = 254 nm) in CH3CN.

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Table 1. Optimizing photolysis condition of benzotriazole (1a) with N-phenylmaleimide (3a).
Molar Ratio
Yield (%)
Run * Solvent
Time(h)
(1a):(3a)
1:1
4a
-
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
MeOH
DCM
24
24
24
24
24
24
16
10
36
1:1
5
THF
1:1
8
MePh
MeCN
MeCN
MeCN
MeCN
MeCN
1:1
7
1:1
12
19
19
12
19
1:2
1:2
1:2
1:2
Note: * Reaction conditions: Acetonitrile (25 mL), 1a (0.0595 g, 0.5 mmol) and 3a (0.173 g, 1 mmol) irradiated
at λ = 254 nm under nitrogen.
With the optimized reaction conditions in hand, irradiation of benzotriazole (1a) with maleimides
3a–c produced the dihydropyrrolo[3,4-b]indoles 4a–c in 19%–21% yield, together with Michael adducts
6a,b in 17%–18% and 7a–c in 13%–16% yields, as shown in Scheme 2 and Table 2.
Table 2. Products from irradiation of benzotriazoles 1a–e with maleimides 3a–c.
Products (Yield %)
Entry *
Reactant
4
5
6a,b
6a(17) 7a (13)
7b(16)
6b(18) 7c(15)
7a–c
Unreacted Bt
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1a
1a
1a
1b
1b
1b
1c
1d
1e
3a
3b
3c
3a
3b
3c
3a
3a
3a
4a (19)
4b (21)
4c (19)
4d(32)
4e (33)
4f(35)
4g (38)
4h(25)
4i(35)
-
45
58
43
42
60
60
56
70
60
-
-
-
(20)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Note: *: Reaction conditions: In acetonitrile (100 mL), 1a–e (2 mmol) and 3a–c (4 mmol) was irradiated at
λ = 254 nm under nitrogen for 16 h.
The 1H-NMR spectrum (CDCl3) of pure 4a showed two doublet signals at δ 4.85, 4.61 (J = 9.2 Hz)
corresponding to H-b, H-a respectively (Figure 1). The 13C-NMR also showed two signals at δ 60.2 and
48.9 assigned to C-b, C-a respectively (HSQC). In addition GC-MS of 4a showed a M+ peak at
m/z = 264. These data support the structure of 4a. Moreover, the structure of 4c was unequivocally
established by single crystal X-ray crystallography (Figure 2). The structures of compounds 6a,b and
7a–c were established by spectroscopic data and are the result of ground state Michael addition of 1a
and its tautomer to 3a–c. In support of this view, heating of benzotriazole 1a and N-phenylmaleimide 3a
in acetonitrile under reflux for 24 h gave a mixture of 6a (24%) and 7a (16%). On the other hand heating
a mixture of 1a and 3a in a sealed tube at 230–300 °C produced only a mixture of Michael adducts 6a
(80%) and 7a (10%) yields. Similar Michael adducts have also been reported recently [22].

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Figure 2. X-Ray crystal structures of compounds 4c, 4d and 5.
The formation of Michael adducts 6a,b and 7a–c and the low yield of dihydropyrroloindoles 4a–c
promotedus to investigate the effect of substituting N-1 of benzotriazole with various alkyl
groups [23]. Thus, irradiation of 1-methyl-1H-benzotriazole (1b) with maleimides 3a–c produced
dihydropyrrolo[3,4-b]indoles 4d–f in 32%–35%. Similarly, irradiation of benzotriazoles 1c–e with
N-phenylmaleimide 3a produced also the corresponding dihydropyrroloindoles 4g–i in 25%–38% yields.
Irradiation of 1b with 3a was accompanied by another photoproduct in 20% yield which was identified
as 2-(1-methyl-2-oxoindoline-3-ylidene)-N-phenylacetamide (5). The formation of compound 5 could be
explained as shown in Scheme 3. Thus, C-H insertion of the photogenerated diradicals or its tautomeric
carbene intermediates leads to the formation of the intermediate product A or its tautomer B respectively,
followed by nucleophilic transamidation leading to the final product 5. The structures of 4d, 4g and 5
were established from single crystal X-ray crystallography (Figure 2).
In a similar way, irradiation of benzotriazole 1a with phenylacetylene (8a), cyclohexen-1-yl acetylene
(8b) or ethyl propiolate (8c) in acetonitrile under the same conditions afforded the functionally
substituted-1H-indole derivatives 9a–c in 31%–37% yield. Interestingly, the reaction took place
regioselectively depending on the monosubstituted alkyne. Thus, only 2-substituted indole is formed
with phenylacetylene and cyclohexen-1-ylacetylene, whereas a 3-substituted indole is formed with ethyl
propiolate. In the latter case, the reaction presumably proceeds by initially formation of Michael adduct
(3-benzotriazol-1-ylacrylic acid ethyl ester) followed by photolytic extrusion of nitrogen and
intramolecular radical cyclization to give 9c. The latter has been previously prepared from the same
Michael adducts by pyrolytic extrusion of nitrogen and intramolecular cyclization [24]. This
presumption has now been further supported by the formation of the ethyl N-methylindole-2-carboxylate
9f upon irradiation of 1b with ethyl propiolate.

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Scheme 3. Proposed mechanism for formation of compound 5.
O
N
Ph
O
C
O
NH
N Ph
H
N
NHPh
A
CH3
CH3
hν
N
N
O
O
O
-N2
N
N
O
CH3
CH3
H
C
N
Ph
5
1b
N
O
N
CH3
B
CH3
On the other hand, irradiation of 1a with dimethyl and diethyl acetylenedicarboxylates (DMADC) 8d
and (DEADC) 8e, gave only the corresponding Michael adducts 10a,b, 11a,b and 12. However,
irradiating of 1-methyl-1H-benzotriazole (1b) with 8d,e produced the corresponding indoles 9d,e
Scheme 4, Table 3.
Scheme 4. Products of irradiation of benzotriazoles 1a,b with alkynes 8a–e.
8a, X = H; Y = C6H5
8b, X = H; Y = Cyclohexenyl
X
N
N
8c, X = H; Y = CO2Et
8d,, X, Y = CO2Me
8e, X, Y = CO2Et
+
N
R
Y
1a, R = H
1b, R = CH3
1a,b
8a-e
hν, λ = 254 nm
X
Y
O
H
O
O
H
Bt
H
OR
OR
OR
OR
OMe
OMe
N
R
9a-f
N
Bt
Bt
H
N
N
O
O
O
10a,b
11a,b
9a, R = X = H; Y = C6H5
9b, R = X = H; Y = Cyclohexenyl
9c, R = X = CO2Et; Y = H
9d, R = CH3; X; Y = CO2Me
9e, R = CH3; X; Y = CO2Et
9f, R = CH3; X = H; Y = CO2Et
12
11a, R = CH3
11b, R = C2H5
10a, R = CH3
10b, R = C2H5
Table 3. Products from irradiation of benzotriazoles 1a,b with alkynes 8a–e.
Products (Yield %)
Entry
Reactants
9a–f
9a (31)
9b (36)
9c (37)
-
10a,b
11a,b
12
-
-
Unreacted Bt
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1a
1a
1a
1a
1a
1b
1b
1b
8a
8b
8c
8d
8e
8d
8e
8c
-
-
-
-
-
-
60
48
50
5
25
55
61
70
-
10a (25)
10b (31)
11a (29) 12 (19)
-
11b (28)
-
-
-
-
9d (32)
9e (23)
9f (19)
-
-
-
-
-
-
Note: Reaction conditions: In acetonitrile (100 mL) 1a, b (2 mmol) and 8a–e (4 mmol) was irradiated at
λ = 254 nm under nitrogen for 16 h.

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3. Experimental Section
3.1. General Information
All melting points were recorded on a Gallenkamp apparatus and were uncorrected. IR spectra were
1
recorded using KBr pellets on a Perkin Elmer System 2000 FT-IR spectrophotometer. H- and
13C-NMR spectra were recorded on a Bruker DPX 400MHz or Avance 600 MHz spectrometer with
proton spectra measured at 400, 600 MHz and carbon spectra at 100, 150 MHz. Mass spectra were
measured on a VG Auto-spec-Q (high resolution, high performance, tri-sector GC/MS/MS) and with
LCMS using Agilent 1100 series LC/MSD with an API-ES/APCI ionization mode. Microanalyses were
performed on LECO CH NS-932 Elemental Analyzer. X-ray analysis was performed using a Rigaku
Rapid II and Bruker X8 Prospector diffractometer [25].
3.2. Irradiation of Benzotriazoles 1a–e with Maleimides 3a–c orAlkynes 8a–e
General procedure: A mixture of each benzotriazole derivative 1a–e (2 mmol), the appropriate
maleimide 3a–c or alkyne 8a–e (4 mmol) was dissolved in acetonitrile (100 mL) in a quartz tube and
purged with nitrogen for 20 min, while being irradiated for 16 h at room temperature using an annular
reactor model APQ40 (Applied Photo-Physics Limited, Surrey, UK) fitted with a 16 W low pressure
mercury arc-lamp (λ = 254 nm). The progress of reaction was monitored by TLC. The solvent was
removed under reduced pressure and the resulting residue was subject to column chromatography on
silica gel (70–230 mesh) using ethyl acetate/petroleum ether (bp. 60–80 °C) as an eluent to give the
corresponding products. All yields reported in the Experimental are isolated yields.
3.3. Products from Irradiation of Benzotriazoles 1a–e with Maleimides 3a–c
2-Phenyl-3a,4-dihydropyrrolo[3,4-b]indole-1,3(2H,8bH)-dione (4a). This compound was separated
as white needles by column chromatography using ethyl acetate/pet. ether (1:4, Rf = 0.56), yield
(95 mg), mp.164–165 °C; LCMS (m/z) = 265 (M + 1); MS: (m/z, %) = 264 (M+, 60), 144 (15), 117 (100);
IR νmax (KBr)/cm−1 3257, 3046, 2949, 1775, 1715, 1494, 1452, 1265, 1196, 739. NMR
δH (600 MHz, CDCl3) 7.48–7.45 (m, 5H), 7.40 (dt, 1H, J = 8.4, 1.2), 7.26 (t, 1H, J = 8.0), 7.21 (dd, 1H,
J = 8.0, 1.0), 6.89 (dt, 1H, J = 8.4, 1.2), 6.78 (d, 1H, J = 8.4), 4.85 (d, 1H, J = 9.0), 4.61 (d, 1H,
J = 9.0); δC (150 MHz, CDCl3) 176.9, 174.8, 149.0, 131.5, 130.0, 129.2, 128.8, 126.3, 125.5, 122.7,
120.5, 110.8, 60.2, 48.9; HR-MS (EI) m/z [M]+ calcd for C16H12N2O2 264.0899, found = 264.0892.
2-Methyl-3a,4-dihydropyrrolo[3,4-b]indole-1,3(2H,8bH)-dione (4b). White needles (85 mg) after
column chromatography using ethyl acetate/pet. ether (1:6, Rf = 0.64), mp. 148–150 °C; MS:
(m/z, %) = 202 (M+, 15), 119 (100), 91 (90); IR νmax (KBr)/cm−1 3370, 2957, 2928, 1773, 1713, 1598,
1484, 1394, 1188, 750; NMR δH (400 MHz, CDCl3) 7.43 (d, 1H, J = 8.0), 7.17 (t, 1H, J = 8.4), 6.87 (dt,
1H, J = 8.4, 1.2), 6.74 (d, 1H, J = 8.0), 4.70 (d, 1H, J = 8.8), 4.47 (d, 1H, J = 8.8), 3.1 (br, 1H, NH),
3.02 (s, 3H, CH3); δC (100 MHz, CDCl3) 178.0, 176.1, 149.2, 130.0, 125.7, 123.0, 120.5, 110.9, 60.3,
49.1, 25.4; HR-MS (EI) m/z [M]+ calcd for C11H10N2O2 202.0742, found 202.0736.

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3a,4-Dihydropyrrolo[3,4-b]indole-1,3(2H,8bH)-dione (4c). A white solid (72 mg) from column
chromatography using ethyl acetate/pet. ether (1:4, Rf = 0.64), mp. 165–167 °C; MS: (m/z, %) = 188
(M+, 85), 118 (100), 91 (60); IR νmax (KBr)/cm−1 3380, 3360, 3087, 2958, 1765, 1711, 1600, 1480, 1344,
1187, 1051, 794; NMR δH (400 MHz, CDCl3) 8.18 (br, 2H, 2NH), 7.39 (d, 1H, J = 7.2), 7.17 (t, 1H,
J = 7.6), 6.83 (t, 1H, J = 7.2), 6.72 (d, 1H, J = 7.6), 4.68 (d, 1H, J = 9.2), 4.46 (d, 1H,
J = 9.2); δC (100 MHz, CDCl3) 178.0, 175.8, 149.3, 130.1, 125.6, 122.6, 120.6, 110.9, 61.5, 50.3;
HR-MS (EI) m/z [M]+ calcd for C10H8N2O2 188.0586, found 188.0580.
4-Methyl-2-phenyl-3a,4-dihydropyrrolo[3,4-b]indole-1,3(2H,8bH)-dione (4d). A white solid (178 mg)
from column chromatography using ethyl acetate/pet. ether (1:3, Rf = 0.62), mp. 146–148 °C; MS:
(m/z, %) = 278 (M+, 100), 183 (15), 156 (100); IR νmax (KBr)/cm−1 3044, 2893, 1774, 1711, 1600, 1491,
1379, 1293, 1187, 741; NMR δH (400 MHz, CDCl3) 7.46–7.42 (m, 4H), 7.30–7.25 (m, 3H), 6.80 (t, 1H,
J = 7.8), 6.54 (d, 1H, J = 7.6), 4.60 (d, 1H J = 9.6), 4.56 (d, 1H, J = 9.6), 3.16 (s, 3H); δC (100 MHz,
CDCl3) 174.7, 174.6, 150.9, 131.6, 130.0, 129.1, 128.7, 126.4, 125.5, 122.1, 118.6, 107.1, 66.3, 48.1,
34.0; HR-MS (EI) m/z [M]+ calcd for C17H14N2O2 278.1055, found 278.1050.
2,4-Dimethhyl-3a,4-dihydropyrrolo[3,4-b]indole-1,3(2H,8bH)-dione (4e). A white solid (143 mg) from
column chromatography using ethyl acetate/pet. ether (1:4, Rf = 0.53) mp. 98–100 °C; MS:
(m/z, %) = 216 (M+, 100), 158 (45), 131 (85); IR νmax (KBr)/cm−1 3044, 2893, 1774, 1711, 1600, 1491,
1379, 1293, 1187, 741; NMR δH (400 MHz, CDCl3) 7.37 (d, 1H, J = 7.2), 7.21 (t, 1H, J = 7.6),
6.75–6.70 (m, 1H), 6.46 (d, 1H, J = 8.0), 4.42 (d, 1H, J = 9.6), 4.39 (d, 1H, J = 9.6), 3.09 (s, 3H, CH3),
2.98 (s, 3H, CH3); δC (100 MHz, CDCl3) 176.0, 175.8, 150.9, 130.1, 125.6, 122.3, 118.5, 107.1, 66.3,
48.2, 34.1, 23.9; HR-MS (EI) m/z [M]+ calcd for C12H12N2O2 216.0899, found 216.0893.
4-Methyl-3a,4-dihydropyrrolo[3,4-b]indol-1,3(2H,8bH)-dione (4f). A white solid (142 mg) from
column chromatography using ethyl acetate/pet. ether (1:5, Rf = 0.44), mp. 155–157 °C; MS:
(m/z, %) = 202 (M+, 95), 158 (15), 131 (100); IR νmax (KBr)/cm−1 3274, 3051, 2958, 1772, 1711, 1605,
1487, 1341, 1198, 746; NMR δH (400 MHz, CDCl3) 8.02 (br, 1H, NH), 7.35 (d, 1H, J = 7.2), 7.22 (t,
1H, J = 7.6), 6.75 (t, 1H, J = 7.8), 6.48 (d, 1H,J = 8.0), 4.45 (d, 1H, J = 9.2), 4.39 (d, 1H, J = 9.2), 3.08
(s, 3H, CH3); δC (100 MHz, CDCl3) 175.7, 175.6, 151.0, 130.2, 125.6, 122.0, 118.7, 107.2, 67.5, 49.5,
34.1; HR-MS (EI) m/z [M]+ calcd for C11H10N2O2 202.0742, found 202.0735.
4-Ethyl-2-phenyl-3a,4-dihydropyrrolo[3,4-b]indol-1,3(2H,8bH)-dione (4g). A white solid (223 mg)
from column chromatography using ethyl acetate/pet. ether (1:3, Rf = 0.74), mp. 155–156 °C; MS:
(m/z, %) = 292 (M+, 100), 277 (65), 130 (70); IR νmax (KBr)/cm−1 3055, 2953, 1776, 1706, 1603, 1467,
1348, 1218, 756;NMR δH (600 MHz, CDCl3) 7.46–7.44 (m, 3H), 7.39 (t, 1H, J = 7.4), 7.28–7.21 (m,
2H), 7.22 (t, 1H, J = 7.2), 6.77 (t, 1H, J = 7.8), 6.55 (d, 1H, J = 7.6), 4.69 (d, 1H, J = 9.6), 4.59 (d, 1H,
J = 9.6), 3.61 (m, 1H), 3.56 (m, 1H), 1.29 (t, 3H, J = 7.2); δC (150 MHz, CDCl3) 175.1, 174.8, 149.9,
131.7, 129.9, 129.1, 128.7, 126.4, 125.6, 122.3, 118.4, 107.4, 63.9, 48.1, 41.6, 11.6; HR-MS (EI) m/z
[M]+ calcd for C18H16N2O2 292.1212, found 292.1207.
2-(1,3-Dioxo-2-phenyl-1,2,3,3a-tetrahydropyrrolo[3,4-b]indol-4(8bH)-yl)-acetonitrile (4h). A pale
yellow solid (154 mg) from column chromatography using ethyl acetate/pet. ether (1:4, Rf = 0.55), mp.

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165–167 °C; MS: (m/z, %) = 303 (M+, 100), 183 (15), 156 (100); IR νmax (KBr)/cm−1 3060, 2960, 2246,
1768, 1717, 1601, 1487, 1382, 1194, 1173, 751; NMR δH 600 MHz, CDCl3) 7.53 (d, 1H,
J = 7.8), 7.47–7.44 (m, 2H), 7.41–7.38 (m, 2H), 7.34 (t, 1H, J = 7.8), 7.29–7.27 (m, 1H), 6.98 (t, 1H,
J = 7.2), 6.68 (d, 1H, J = 7.8), 4.72 (d, 1H, J = 9.0), 4.67 (d, 1H, J = 9.0), 4.51 (d, 1H, J = 18.6), 4.42
(d, 1H, J = 18.6); δC (100 MHz, CDCl3) 174.2, 174.0, 147.6, 131.4, 130.5, 129.5, 129.2, 126.5, 126.4,
123.1, 121.9, 114.9, 108.7, 64.3, 48.2, 36.4; HR-MS (EI) m/z [M]+ calcd for C18H13N3O2 303.1008,
found 303.1002.
4-(2-Oxopropyl)-2-phenyl-3a,4-dihydropyrrolo[3,4-b]indole-1,3(2H,8bH)-dione (4i). A white solid
(224 mg) from column chromatography using ethyl acetate/pet. ether (1:2, Rf = 0.44), mp. 98–100 °C;
MS: (m/z, %) = 320 (M+, 20), 277 (100), 130 (35); IR νmax (KBr)/cm−1 3052, 2957, 1777, 1714, 1600,
1489, 11245, 1168, 747; NMR δH (400 MHz, CDCl3) 7.39–7.35 (m, 4H), 7.28–7.25 (m, 2H), 7.18 (t,
1H, J = 7.2), 6.80 (t, 1H, J = 7.2), 6.33 (d, 1H, J = 7.6), 4.77 (d, 1H, J = 9.6), 4.65 (d, 1H, J = 9.6), 4.40
(d, 1H, J = 18.8), 4.31 (d, 1H, J = 18.8), 2.21 (s, 3H); δC (150 MHz, CDCl3) 204.7, 174.90, 174.86,
149.7, 131.7, 130.1, 129.4, 129.0, 126.6, 126.0, 122.3, 119.5, 106.9, 64.3, 55.7, 48.4, 27.5; HR-MS (EI)
m/z [M]+ calcd for C19H16N2O3 320.1161, found 320.1155.
2-(1-Methyl-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-N-phenylacetamide (5). Yellow needles (110 mg) from column
chromatography using ethyl acetate/pet. ether (1:1, Rf = 0.58), mp. 225–227 °C; MS: (m/z, %) = 278
(M+, 70), 186 (100), 146 (35); IR νmax (KBr)/cm−1 3325, 3051, 2858, 1701, 1671, 1603, 1540, 1369,
1244, 1189, 741; NMR δH (400 MHz, CDCl3) 8.73 (d, 1H, J = 7.6), 8.16 (br, 1H, NH), 7.68 (d, 2H,
J = 8.0), 7.41–7.35 (m, 3H), 7.18 (t, 1H, J = 7.8), 7.11–7.00 (m, 2H), 6.80 (d, 1H, J = 8.0), 3.56 (s, 3H);
δC (150 MHz, CDCl3) 168.4, 162.6, 145.7, 137.9, 136.5, 132.3, 129.6, 129.4, 129.2, 126.2, 125.3, 123.3,
120.4, 108.3, 26.6. HR-MS (EI) m/z [M]+ calcd for C17H14N2O2 278.1055, found 278.1050.
3-(1H-Benzotriazol-1-yl)-1-phenylpyrrolidine-2,5-dione (6a). A colorless powder (100 mg) from column
chromatography using ethyl acetate/pet. ether (1:3, Rf = 0.65), mp. 146–148 °C (145–147 °C, [22]); MS:
(m/z,%) = 292 (M+, 80), 236 (15), 173 (100); νmax (KBr)/cm−1 2980, 2936, 2852, 1717, 1595, 1499, 1395,
1186, 840, 748; NMR δH (400 MHz, CDCl3) 8.14 (d, 1H, J = 8.4), 7.63–7.57 (m, 2H), 7.53–7.42 (m,
4H), 7.38 (dd, 2H, J = 8.4, 1.6), 5.98 (dd, 1H, J = 9.6, 5.6), 3.86 (dd, 1H, J = 18.4, 5.6), 3.65 (dd, 1H,
J = 18.4, 5.6); δC (100 MHz, CDCl3) 172.2, 170.9, 146.5, 133.2, 131.3, 129.6, 129.5, 128.8, 126.5, 124.9,
120.9, 109.2, 55.8, 35.1; HR-MS (EI) m/z [M]+ calcd for C16H12N4O2 292.0960),
found 292.0951.
3-(1H-Benzotriazol-1-yl)-pyrrolidine-2,5-dione (6b). A colorless powder (78 mg) from column
chromatography using ethyl acetate/pet. ether (1:2, Rf = 0.58), mp. 216–218 °C; MS: (m/z, %) = 216
(M+, 80), 159 (40), 103 (100); IR νmax (KBr)/cm−1 2989, 2926, 1722, 1598, 1496, 1398, 1187, 852, 739;
NMR δH (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 11.95 (br, 1H, NH), 8.12 (d, 1H, J = 8.4), 7.83 (d, 1H, J = 8.4), 7.64 (t,
1H, J = 8.6), 7.48 (t, 1H, J = 8.6), 6.35 (dd, 1H, J = 9.6, 5.2), 3.43 (dd, 1H, J = 18.4, 9.2), 3.32 (dd, 1H,
J = 18.4, 9.2); δC (150 MHz, DMSO-d6) 175.8, 174.8, 145.6, 133.4, 128.6, 125.0, 120.0, 110.8, 57.3,
36.7; HR-MS (EI) m/z [M]+ calcd for C10H8N4O2 216.0647, found 216.0641.

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3-(2H-Benzotriazol-2-yl)-1-phenylpyrrolidine-2,5-dione (7a). A white solid (76 mg) from column
chromatography using ethyl acetate/pet. ether (1:2, Rf = 0.54), mp. 218–219 °C; MS: (m/z, %) = 292
(M+, 80), 173 (80), 145 (100); IR νmax (KBr)/cm−1 2990, 2966, 2852, 1722, 1595, 1499, 1395, 1216,
1184, 840, 748; NMR δH (400 MHz, CDCl3) 7.91–7.88 (m, 2H), 7.53 (dt, 2H, J = 8.2, 1.6), 7.49–7.42
(m, 5H), 6.13 (dd, 1H, J = 9.6, 5.6), 3.66 (dd, 2H, J = 12.4, 9.2); δC (100 MHz, CDCl3) 172.3, 170.2,
145.1, 131.4, 129.6, 129.4, 127.6, 126.6, 118.5, 63.1, 36.3; HR-MS (EI) m/z [M]+ calcd for C16H12N4O2
292.0960, found 292.0954.
3-(2H-Benzotriazol-2-yl)-1-methylpyrrolidine-2,5-dione (7b). A white solid (74 mg) from column
chromatography using ethyl acetate/pet. ether (1:1, Rf = 0.58), mp. 155–157 °C; MS: (m/z, %) = 230
(M+, 60), 145 (100), 91 (15); IR νmax (KBr)/cm−1 2980, 2916, 2854, 1720, 1585, 1479, 1395, 1216, 840,
768; NMR δH (400 MHz, CDCl3) 7.88–7.85 (m, 2H), 7.44–7.41 (m, 2H), 5.98 (dd, 1H, J = 9.2, 5.6),
3.54 (dd, 1H, J = 18.4, 5.6), 3.44 (dd, 1H, J = 18.4, 5.6), 3.17 (s, 3H, CH3); δC (150 MHz, CDCl3) 173.2,
171.3, 145.1, 127.6, 118.5, 63.1, 36.2, 25.9; HR-MS (EI) m/z [M]+ calcd for C11H10N4O2 230.0804,
found 230.0799.
3-(2H-Benzotriazol-2-yl)-pyrrolidine-2,5-dione (7c). A white solid (65 mg) from column
chromatography using ethyl acetate/pet. ether (1:1, Rf = 0.58), mp. 168–170 °C; MS (m/z, %) = 216 (M+,
85), 145 (30), 103 (100); IR νmax (KBr)/cm−1 3236, 2959, 2930, 2861, 1795, 1727, 1595, 1462, 1276,
1125, 1072, 744; NMR δH (600 MHz, CDCl3) 8.14 (br, 1H, NH), 7.87 (dd, 2H, J = 7.2, 3.0), 7.46 (dd,
2H, J = 6.6, 3.0), 6.02 (dd, 1H, J = 11.4, 6.0), 3.61 (dd, 1H, J = 18.6, 5.6), 3.50 (dd, 1H,
J = 18.6, 5.6); δC (150 MHz, CDCl3) 172.2, 170.5, 145.1, 127.7, 118.5, 64.0, 37.2; HR-MS (EI) m/z
[M]+ calcd for C10H8N4O2 216.0647, found 216.0641.
3.4. Photoproducts from Irradiation of Benzotriazoles 1a,b with Alkynes 8a–e
2-Phenyl-1H-indole (9a). White solid (120 mg), mp. 189–190 °C (187–188 °C, [26]); MS:
(m/z,%) = 193 (M+, 100), 165 (25), 96 (15); NMR δH (400 MHz, CDCl3) 8.35 (br, 1H, NH), 7.66 (d, 2H,
J = 7.6), 7.63 (d, 1H, J = 7.6), 7.46–77.40 (m, 2H), 7.35 (t, 1H, J= 8.0), 7.20 (dt, 1H, J = 8.0, 1.2), 7.17
(dt, 1H, J = 8.0, 1.2), 7.13 (t, 1H, J = 8.0), 6.84 (s, 1H); δC (100 MHz, CDCl3) 138.1, 137.0, 132.6,
129.5, 129.3, 127.9, 125.4, 122.6, 120.9, 120.5, 111.1, 100.2; HR-MS (EI) m/z [M]+ calcd for C14H11N
193.0891, found 193.0886.
2-Cyclohexen-1-yl-1H-indole (9b). White solid (142 mg), mp. 138–140 °C (137–139 °C, [26]); MS:
(m/z, %) = 197 (M+, 100), 168 (65); NMR δH (600 MHz, CDCl3) 8.09 (br, 1H, NH), 7.55 (d, 1H,
J = 7.8), 7.30 (d, 1H, J = 7.8), 7.14 (t, 1H, J = 7.4), 7.06 (t, 1H, J = 7.4), 6.44 (s, 1H), 6.14 (s, 1H), 2.47
(br, 2H), 2.26–2.25 (br, 2H), 1.82–1.78 (m, 2H), 1.72–1.69 (m, 2H); δC (150 MHz, CDCl3) 139.7, 136.4,
129.4, 129.2, 122.8, 122.2, 120.6, 120.0, 110.6, 98.9, 26.3, 25.8, 22.8, 22.4; HR-MS (EI) m/z [M]+ calcd
for C14H15N 197.1204, found 197.1199.
Ethyl 1H-indole-3-carboxylate (9c). White solid (142 mg), mp. 124–126 °C (125–127 °C, [24,26]); MS:
(m/z, %) = 189 (M+, 50), 144 (100); NMR δH (400 MHz, CDCl3): 8.73 (br, 1H, NH), 8.23 (m, 1H), 7.94
(d, 1H, J = 2.8), 7.45–7.41 (m, 1H), 7.32–7.27 (m, 2H), 4.42 (q, 2H, J = 7.4), 1.45 (t, 3H,

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J = 7.4); δC (150 MHz, CDCl3) 165.6, 136.3, 131.2, 126.0, 123.4, 122.2, 121.8, 111.7, 109.3, 60.1, 14.8;
HR-MS (EI) m/z [M]+ calcd for C11H11NO2 189.0790, found 189.0784.
Dimethyl 1-methyl-1H-indole-2,3-dicarboxylate (9d). Yellow solid (122 mg), mp. 38–40 °C
(37–40 °C, [27]); MS: (m/z, %) = 247 (M+, 60), 216 (100), 149 (50); NMR δH (400 MHz, CDCl3): 8.12 (d,
1H, J = 8.0), 7.38–7.36 (m, 2H), 7.32–7.26 (m, 1H), 4.02 (s, 3H, CH3), 3.93 (s, 3H, CH3), 3.84 (s, 3H,
CH3); δC (100 MHz, CDCl3): 164.8, 163.5, 137.0, 134.9, 129.7, 125.5, 124.7, 122.9, 122.6, 110.4, 53.3,
51.7, 31.6; HR-MS (EI) m/z [M]+ calcd for C13H13NO4 247.0845, found 247.0839.
Diethyl 1-methyl-1H-indole-2,3-dicarboxylate (9e). A yellow oil (126 mg) from column chromatography
using ethyl acetate/pet. ether (1:1, Rf = 0.58), MS: (m/z, %) = 275 (M+ , 80), 230 (35), 202 (95); NMR
δH (400 MHz, CDCl3) 8.14 (d, 1H, J = 7.6), 7.38–7.36 (m, 2H), 7.32–7.28 (m, 1H), 4.48 (q, 2H,
J = 7.2), 4.38 (q, 2H, J = 7.2), 3.84 (s, 3H), 1.44 (t, 3H, J = 7.2), 1.41 (t, 3H, J = 7.2); δC (100 MHz,
CDCl3) 164.3, 163.1, 136.9, 135.2, 125.6, 124.5, 122.7, 122.5, 110.3, 108.1, 62.5, 60.4, 31.6, 14.6, 14.3;
HR-MS (EI) m/z [M]+ calcd for C15H17NO4 275.1158, found 275.1153 [28].
Ethyl N-methylindole-2-carboxylate (9f). A white solid (80 mg) from column chromatography using
ethyl acetate/pet. ether (1:3, Rf = 0.68), mp. 58–60 °C (59–60 °C, [29]); MS: (m/z, %) = 203 (M+, 40),
178 (70), 89 (85); NMR δH (400 MHz, CDCl3) 7.71 (d, 1H, J = 7.6), 7.40–7.33 (m, 2H), 7.31 (s, 1H),
7.15 (dt, 1H, J = 7.0, 1.2), 4.38 (q, 2H, J = 7.2), 4.09 (s, 3H), 1.42 (t, 3H, J = 7.2); δC (100 MHz, CDCl3)
162.3, 139.6, 128.8, 125.9, 124.9, 122.5, 120.5, 110.21, 110.07, 60.5, 31.6, 14.4; HR-MS (EI) m/z [M]+
calcd for C12H13NO2 203.0946, found 203.0941.
Dimethyl 2-(1H-benzotriazol-1-yl)maleate (10a). A white solid (130 mg) from column chromatography
using ethyl acetate/pet. ether (1:3, Rf = 0.68), mp. 84–86 °C; MS: (m/z, %) = 261 (M+, 100), 202 (50),
175 (65); IR νmax (KBr)/cm−1 3040, 2954, 1746, 1718, 1638, 1434, 1360, 1263, 1159, 1056, 746; NMR
δH (400 MHz, CDCl3) 8.16 (d, 1H, J = 8.4), 7.634–7.62 (m, 2H), 7.52–7.48 (m, 1H), 6.68 (s, 1H), 4.07
(s, 3H), 3.86 (s, 3H); δC (100 MHz, CDCl3) 164.9, 162.5, 146.9, 140.6, 131.4, 130.0, 125.8, 121.4, 111.1,
110.1, 54.0, 52.8; HR-MS (EI) m/z [M]+ calcd for C12H11N3O4 261.0750, found 261.0745.
Diethyl 2-(1H-benzotriazol-1-yl)maleate (10b). A colorless oil (180 mg) from column chromatography
using ethyl acetate/pet. ether (1:3 Rf = 0.58); MS: (m/z, %) = 289 (M+, 40), 187 (90), 159 (100); νmax
(KBr)/cm−1 3040, 2954, 1746, 1718, 1638, 1434, 1360, 1263, 1159, 1056, 746; NMR δH (600 MHz,
CDCl3) 8.16 (dd, 1H, J = 7.8, 1.6), 7.67–7.62 (m, 2H), 7.60–7.48 (dd, 1H, J = 8.4, 1.2), 6.66 (s, 1H),
4.53 (q, 2H, J = 7.2), 4.32 (q, 2H, J = 7.2), 1.39 (t, 3H, J = 7.2) 1.35 (t, 3H, J = 7.2); δC (100 MHz,
CDCl3) 164.3, 162.0, 146.9, 140.5, 131.5, 129.8, 125.7, 121.3, 111.1, 110.8, 63.4, 61.8, 14.35, 14.05;
HR-MS (EI) m/z [M]+ calcd for C14H15N3O4 289.1063, found 289.1058.
Dimethyl 2,3-Di(1H-benzotriazol-1-yl)succinate (11a). A white solid (220 mg) from column
chromatography using ethyl acetate/pet. ether (1:2, Rf = 0.72), mp.147–149 °C; MS: (m/z, %) = 380 (M+,
15), 293 (40), 190 (95); IR νmax (KBr)/cm−1 3051, 2991, 1759, 1730, 1613, 1556, 1452, 1303, 1278, 1169,
1001, 778, 750; NMR δH (400 MHz, CDCl3) 7.73 (d, 2H, J =8.4), 7.43 (t, 4H, J = 8.0), 7.25–7.23 (m,

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2H), 6.63 (s, 2H), 3.85 (s, 6H, 2CH3); δC (100 MHz, CDCl3) 166.5, 145.3, 133.1, 128.6, 124.6, 120.0,
109.3, 58.9, 53.9; HR-MS (EI) m/z [M]+ calcd for C18H16N6O4 380.1233, found 380.1228.
Diethyl 2,3-di(1H-benzotriazol-1-yl)succinate (11b). A white solid (230 mg) from column
chromatography using ethyl acetate/pet. ether (1:1, Rf = 0.58), mp. 124–126 °C; MS: (m/z, %)= 408
(M+, 5), 289 (45), 187 (95); IR νmax (KBr)/cm−1 3051, 2991, 1759, 1730, 1613, 1556, 1452, 1303, 1278,
1169, 1001, 778, 750; NMR δH (400 MHz, CDCl3) 7.77 (d, 2H, J = 8.4), 7.43–7.36 (m, 4H), 7.23–7.19
(m, 2H), 6.60 (s, 2H), 4.37–4.26 (m, 4H, 2CH2), 1.23 (t, 6H, J = 7.2, 2CH3); δC (100 MHz, CDCl3)
166.0, 145.3, 133.2, 128.5, 124.5, 120.0, 109.0, 63.4, 60.3, 14.0; HR-MS (EI) m/z [M]+ calcd for
C20H20N6O4 408.1546, found 408.1540.
Dimethyl 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)maleate (12). A white solid (100 mg) from column chromatography
using ethyl acetate/pet. ether (1:2, Rf = 0.59), mp. 147–149 °C; MS: (m/z, %) = 261 (M+, 45), 230 (30),
71 (65); IR νmax (KBr)/cm−1 3010, 2957, 1748, 1714, 1643, 1437, 1357, 1259, 1201, 1155, 1053, 744;
NMR: δH (400 MHz, CDCl3) 7.87–7.84 (m, 2H), 7.45–7.26 (m, 2H), 7.13 (s, 1H), 4.11 (s, 3H), 3.85 (s,
3H); δC (150 MHz, CDCl3) 164.5, 162.0, 145.7, 143.9, 128.9, 118.7, 110.7, 53.8, 52.6; HR-MS (EI) m/z
[M]+ calcd for C12H11N3O4 261.0750 found 261.0744.
4. Conclusions
For the first time intermolecular trapping of the diradical intermediates, formed by irradiation of
benzotriazoles with a 16 W low pressure mercury arc-lamp (λ = 254 nm) in the presence of electron poor
alkenes and alkynes has been achieved. The present study offers an interesting simple access to
dihydropyrrolo[3,4-b]indoles and functionally substituted indoles of potential synthetic and
biological interest.
Supplementary Materials
Supplementary materials can be accessed at: http://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/19/12/20695/s1.
Acknowledgments
The support of the University of Kuwait received through research grant # SC 03/12 and the facilities
of ANALAB/SAF (grants no. GS01/01, GS02/01, GS03/08) are gratefully acknowledged.
Author Contributions
Nader Al-Jalal, Nouria Al-Awadi and Mohamed Elnagdi designed the research; Maher Ibrahim
performed chemical reactions and purified the products, Nader Al-Jalal, Mohamed Elnagdi and
Yehia Ibrahim interpreted the results and prepared the manuscript. All authors read and approved the
final manuscript.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Sample Availability: Samples of the compoundsare available from the authors.
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