One-Pot Synthesis of Quinoxaline N-Oxides via Radical-Mediated Cyclization of Ketene N,S-Acetals

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A facile and efficient one-pot synthesis of bench-stable quinoxaline N-oxides has been realized using α-oxoketene N,S-acetals and tert-butyl nitrite (TBN) in open air via cascade annulation. The double functionalization of N,S-acetals proceeds through an unanticipated (Csp2)–H nitrosation by NO radical (generated in situ by TBN) and subsequent intramolecular N-arylation leading to quinoxaline, which undergoes oxidation to quinoxaline N-oxides harboring three variegated substituents on their framework. Notably, two new C–N bonds are formed with the same N-oxide nitrogen. This protocol features short reaction time, good functional group tolerance and mild conditions, and does not require the use of either catalyst or external additive.