Synthesis of 2-aminoquinoxalines via one-pot cyanide-based sequential reaction under aerobic oxidation conditions.

A highly efficient synthesis of 2-aminoquinoxalines has been developed via the one-pot two-step cyanide-mediated sequential reactions of ortho-phenylenediamines with aldehydes under aerobic oxidation conditions. A variety of substrates, including aliphatic aldehydes bearing acidic α-protons, are applicable to this protocol and afford the desired 2-aminoquinoxalines in high yields.