Methods to afford pyrrolo[1,2-α]quinoxalines often require the use of prefunctionalized aniline precursors, transition metals, and/or harsh conditions. Herein we describe a simple coupling of 1-(2-nitroaryl)pyrroles and arylacetic acids, in the presence of elemental sulfur, to furnish the fused heterocycles in good yields. The conditions were compatible with many functionalities including ester, nitrile, halogen, and nitro groups. Use of benzyl alcohols and picoline coupling reagents was also attempted.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.