α-Hydroxy acid as an aldehyde surrogate: metal-free synthesis of pyrrolo[1,2- a ]quinoxalines, quinazolinones, and other N-heterocycles via decarboxylative oxidative annulation reaction.

A metal-free and efficient procedure for the synthesis of pyrrolo[1,2- a ]quinoxalines, quinazolinones, and indolo[1,2- a ]quinoxaline has been developed. The key features of our method include the in situ generation of aldehyde from α-hydroxy acid in the presence of TBHP ( tert -butyl hydrogen peroxide), and further condensation with various amines, followed by intramolecular cyclization and subsequent oxidation to afford the corresponding quinoxalines, quinazolinones derivatives in moderate to high yields.