Sulfonated oxindoles are accessed by a Cu(OAc)-catalyzed three-component reaction of N-(arylsulfonyl)acrylamides, DABSO, and aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates. This transformation is triggered by the formation of arylsulfonyl radicals in situ from the reaction of aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates and DABSO. Afterward, the sequential radical addition, radical cyclization, and desulfonylative 1,4-aryl migration take place to provide the final product by the formation of four new bonds in one pot. This procedure shows good functional group tolerance.

A three-component reaction of the sulfur dioxide surrogate of DABCO·(SO2)2, aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates and dienes has been developed, affording a series of sulfonated nitrogen heterocycles.

A rhodium-catalyzed annulative reaction between azobenzenes and nitrosoarenes has been developed, leading to a series of phenazines in moderate to good yields. This procedure proceeds with sequential chelation-assisted addition of aryl C–H to nitrosoarenes and ring closure by electrophilic attack of azo group to aryl. During this transformation, the azo group served as not only a traceless directing group but also a building block in the final products.

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