Heterocyclic Synthesis of Crowded Aposafranones: Structure of 1-Methyl-8-dimethylamino-10-phenylphenazin-2-(10H)one and Related Compounds.

Oxidative condensation of three p-phenylenediamines with 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-N-(phenylamino)benzene gives new coloured aposafranones. 2-Methylresorcinol is easy to convert into the asymmetric building block 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-N-(phenylamino)benzene with aniline. The aposafranones are sterically crowded because of the 1-methyl and N-phenyl groups. The UV/Vis absorption maxima are in the range 530-545 nm.