Аннотация:Isomerization of indolizines I (R = Me, Ph; NO2 in 6 or 8 position) in aq. alc. KOH in a stream of Ar gave 18-90% indoles II (NO2 in 5 or 7-position). I (6-NO2) (III) rearranged faster and gave better yields (85-90%) than I (8-NO2) (yields 18-21%). The reaction proceeded through a σ-complex; the σ complex from III was more stable due to the ortho position of the NO2 group.