Reaction for the synthesis of benzimidazol-2-ones, imidazo[5,4-b]-, and imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-ones via the rearrangement of quinoxalin-2-ones and their aza analogues when exposed to enamines

J Org Chem. 2014 Oct 3;79(19):9161-9. doi: 10.1021/jo501526a. Epub 2014 Sep 23.

Abstract

A synthetically useful protocol has been developed for the preparation of highly functionalized N-pyrrolylbenzimidazol-2-ones. The reaction of variously substituted 3-aroyl- and 3-alkanoylquinoxalin-2(1H)-ones with commercially available enamines in acetic acid results in a rapid rearrangement and formation of N-pyrrolylbenzimidazol-2-ones in modest to excellent yields. The key step of the rearrangement involves the novel ring contraction of 3-aroyl- and 3-alkanoylquinoxalin-2(1H)-ones with enamines. In this case, the atom of carbon which is displaced from the pyrazine ring of quinoxalin-2(1H)-one becomes the fourth carbon atom of the newly formed pyrrole ring. The method is applicable for the aza analogues of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aza Compounds / chemistry*
  • Benzimidazoles / chemical synthesis*
  • Benzimidazoles / chemistry
  • Molecular Structure
  • Pyridones / chemical synthesis*
  • Pyridones / chemistry
  • Quinoxalines / chemistry*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Aza Compounds
  • Benzimidazoles
  • Pyridones
  • Quinoxalines
  • benzimidazol-2-one