Ru(II)-Catalyzed C–H Hydroxyalkylation and Mitsunobu Cyclization of N-Aryl Phthalazinones

Ruthenium(II)-catalyzed C(sp2)–H functionalization of N-aryl phthalazinones with a range of aldehydes and activated ketone is described. Initial formation of hydroxyalkylated phthalazinones and subsequent Mitsunobu cyclization provided facile access to biologically relevant indazolophthalazinones. The utility of this method is highlighted by synthetic transformations into a series of potentially bioactive scaffolds.