Recent advances in photo-promoted generalized C3-H alkylation of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones.

With the continuous advancement of organic synthetic chemistry, photocatalysis has gradually emerged as one of the effective methods for constructing complex compounds. Given the significant role played by quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones in various fields, it is imperative to urgently develop methodologies for their efficient synthesis, transformation, and modification. Similarly, the generalized C3-alkylation reaction of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones is a more direct method for constructing diverse heterocyclic skeletons. The currently known alkylating agents mainly include simple hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbons, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, ketones, amines, and their derivatives. In addition to the most common two-component reactions, multi-component reactions are included. This review covers the literature reports published from 2019 to early 2025. A bright outlook is provided at the end of the review.