Ru(II)-Catalyzed Switchable C-H Alkylation and Spirocyclization of 2-Arylquinoxalines with Maleimides via ortho-C-H Activation

J Org Chem. 2021 Feb 5;86(3):2784-2795. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.0c02745. Epub 2021 Jan 14.

Abstract

A Ru(II)-catalyzed facile and controllable protocol for C-H alkylation and spirocyclization of 2-arylquinoxalines with maleimides has been achieved under ambient air in high yields. Sequential ortho-C-H activation and C-annulation results in the formation of diverse polyheterocycles containing spiro[indeno[1,2-b]quinoxaline-11,3'-pyrrolidine]-2',5'-diones, which are of potent interest in medicinal chemistry. Mechanistic investigations suggest a reversible cleavage of the ortho-C-H bond in the turnover-limiting step.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkylation
  • Catalysis
  • Maleimides
  • Quinoxalines*

Substances

  • Maleimides
  • Quinoxalines