Self-assembled monolayer coated gold-nanoparticle catalyzed aerobic oxidation of α-hydroxy ketones in water: an efficient one-pot synthesis of quinoxaline derivatives

For the first time, 4-aminothiophenol self-assembled monolayer-coated gold-nanoparticles (Au-NPs) which catalyze the aerobic oxidation of aryl substituted alpha-hydroxy ketones to aryl 1,2-diketones are reported. In addition, a one-pot synthesis of quinoxalines has been successfully achieved via in situ oxidation of alpha-hydroxy ketones and subsequent condensation with aryl 1,2-diamines in water. This method offers the potential for simple self-assembled monolayer-coated Au-NPs to exhibit catalytic activity for the aerobic oxidation reaction in a green and efficient manner.