Synthesis of 1H-indazoles from N-tosylhydrazones and nitroaromatic compounds.

A new method for the synthesis of 1H-indazoles from readily available N-tosylhydrazones and nitroaromatic compounds has been developed. This transformation occurs under transition-metal-free conditions and shows a wide substrate scope. The method has been successfully applied to the formal synthesis of a bioactive compound, WAY-169916.