A method for the regioselective synthesis of 1-alkyl-1H-indazoles

A method for the regioselective synthesis of 3-unsubstituted 1-alkyl-1H-indazoles, starting with 2-halobenzonitriles and N-alkylhydrazines, is described. The two-step reaction pathway proceeds through the intermediacy of 1-alkyl-3-amino-1H-indazoles followed by reductive deamination.