Metal-free alkylation of quinoxalinones with aryl alkyl ketones.

The first metal-free method for alkylation of quinoxalinones using cheap and stable aryl alkyl ketones as nucleophilic alkylation reagents is reported. This strategy greatly broadens the application channels of aryl alkyl ketones through carbon-carbon bond activation. In addition, the protocol has the advantages of simple operation, broad substrate scope, and good functional group tolerance.