Novel multi-component synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalines through palladium-catalyzed coupling reaction/hetero-annulation in water

1,4-Disubstituted pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalines were prepared through the one-pot multi-component reactions of 3-substituted-2-chloroquinoxalines, propargyl alcohol, and secondary amines, catalyzed by Pd/Cu, in the presence of K2CO3 and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in water. This process provided a facile, eco-friendly, and highly efficient method for the synthesis of new pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalines in water with good yields. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.