N,N-Dimethylformamide as Carbon Synthons for the Synthesis of N-Heterocycles: Pyrrolo/Indolo[1,2-a]quinoxalines and Quinazolin-4-ones

N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) as synthetic pre-cursors contributing especially the methyl, acyl, and amino groups has played a significant role in heterocycle syntheses and functionalization. In this protocol, a wide range of pyrrolo/indolo [1,2-a] quinoxalines and quinazolin-4-ones were obtained in moderate to good yields by using elemental iodine without any metal or peroxides. We considered that N-methyl and N-acyl of DMF participate and complete the reaction separately through different mechanisms, which displayed potential still to be explored of DMF.

Automated summary

N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) as a synthetic pre-cursor has played a significant role in heterocycle syntheses and functionalization, contributing methyl, acyl, and amino groups. In this protocol, a wide range of pyrrolo/indolo [1,2-a] quinoxalines and quinazolin-4-ones were obtained in moderate to good yields using elemental iodine without any metal or peroxides. The participation of N-methyl and N-acyl of DMF in the reaction through different mechanisms suggests the potential still to be explored.