Synthesis of Pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline Derivatives by Lewis Acid-Catalyzed Reactions of 1-(2-Isocyanophenyl)pyrroles

Abstract 1-(2-Isocyanophenyl)pyrroles have been prepared. They react in moderate to good isolated yields with aldehydes (or ketones), oxiranes, and acetals in the presence of catalytic amounts of diethyl ether–boron trifluoride to give pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalines carrying an oxyalkyl substituent, such as α-hydroxyalkyl, β-hydroxyalkyl, or α-alkoxyalkyl, at the 4-position.