Photoexcited nitroarenes for alkylation of quinoxalin-2(1 H )-ones.

A straightforward method for the dehydrogenative alkylation of quinoxalin-2(1 H )-ones with alkylbenzenes has been developed, facilitated by a photoexcited nitroarene. The reaction's success hinges on the dual role of the photoexcited nitroarene molecule, acting as both a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) reagent and an oxidant. This technique is both atom-economical and cost-effective, due to the readily available nitroarene, which serves as the sole intermediary in the reaction process.