Logic design and synthesis of quinoxalines via the integration of iodination/oxidation/cyclization sequences from ketones and 1,2-diamines

A novel protocol for the synthesis of quinoxalines has been developed from simple ketones and 1,2-diamines. This process underwent a logic approach to bis-substituted quinoxalines via a consecutive iodination/Kornblum oxidation/cyclization in the presence of I2/CuO/DMSO and to mono-substituted quinoxalines via an iodination/cyclization/aromatization in the presence of I2/CuO/K3PO4·3H2O.