A New Class of Pyrazolopyridine Nucleus with Fluorescent Properties, Obtained through Either a Radical or a Pd Arylation Pathway from N-Azinylpyridinium N-Aminides

The synthesis of dipyridopyrazole and pyridopyrazolopyrazine derivatives--both of which incorporate a 3-aryl moiety--can be achieved in moderate yields by intramolecular radical arylation of pyridinium N-aminides using tris(trimethylsilyl)silane and azobisisobutyronitrile. Improved results were obtained on using Pd direct arylation in conjunction with microwave irradiation. A preliminary study into the fluorescent properties of the target compounds is also reported.