AlCl3 induced C–N bond formation followed by Pd/C–Cu mediated coupling–cyclization strategy: synthesis of pyrrolo[2,3-b]quinoxalines as anticancer agents

AlCl3 facilitated C–N bond forming reaction between 2,3-dichloroquinoxaline and anilines affording a convenient method for the preparation of N-aryl substituted 3-chloroquinoxalin-2-amines. A related N-benzyl derivative, however, was prepared via a conventional method. These N-alkyl/aryl substituted 3-chloroquinoxalin-2-amines on coupling with terminal alkynes in toluene under Pd/C–Cu catalysis afforded a range of 1,2-disubstituted pyrrolo[2,3-b]quinoxalines within 3–5 h in good to excellent yields. Some of the compounds synthesized showed promising anti-proliferative properties when tested in vitro against two cancer cell lines. Docking studies indicated that these molecules interact well with human Akt in silico.