Ruthenium-catalyzed oxidation of alkynes to 1,2-diketones under room temperature and one-pot synthesis of quinoxalines

A ruthenium-catalyzed alkyne oxidation to 1,2-diketones using Oxone under room temperature is reported. Both substrate scope and mechanism were discussed. Notably, combination of the alkyne oxidation and condensation cyclization in one pot offers a very efficient and convenient entry into quinoxaline derivatives.