New highlights in the synthesis and reactivity of 1,4-dihydropyrazine derivatives

In the course of our investigations on the synthesis of original nitrogen heterocyclic derivatives, we were interested in the synthesis and study of original 1,4-dihydropyrazine rings. To this aim the desired bis-vinylphosphate derivative was prepared from N-Boc piperazine-2,5-dione and then was engaged in palladium catalyzed reactions (reduction, Suzuki and Stille cross-coupling reactions). The 1,4-dihydropyrazine and the corresponding 2,5-disubstituted derivatives were obtained in fair to good yields and were then functionalized under anionic conditions. Aromatization into 1,4-pyrazines was investigated in a second stage.(C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.