Oxidative tandem nitrosation/cyclization of N-aryl enamines with nitromethane toward 3-(trifluoromethyl)quinoxalines.

A novel one-pot strategy for the synthesis of 3-trifluoromethylquinoxalines from N-aryl enamines and nitromethane was developed. The tandem reaction is achieved through nitrosation of alkenes, tautomerization and cyclization, which can be applicable to a wide range of enamines with excellent functional group tolerance and afford quinoxalines in moderate to good yields.