Direct C−C Bond Cleavage of CH₃CN as a Single‐Carbon Synthon: Synthesis of Pyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinoxalines via Electrochemical Oxidation

Abstract

A direct electrochemical redox reaction involving radical cross‐coupling cyclization for the synthesis of pyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinoxaline derivatives from 1‐(2‐aminophenyl)pyrroles and CH3CN has been developed, which includes the functionalization of C(sp3)‐H bonds as well as the construction of C‐C and C‐N bonds. Notably, the control and deuterium‐labelling experiments suggest that CH3CN in this reaction acts as both a carbon source via C‐C cleavage and solvent. The reaction features metal‐ and oxidant‐free conditions, and various substituted pyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinoxaline derivatives were obtained.