Visible-Light-Induced Divergent C–H Esterification/Alkylation of Quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones with Aldehydes under Mild Conditions

Abstract

Herein, we introduce an efficient and straightforward strategy for the selective C–H esterification and alkylation of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones with aldehydes. A key feature of our study is the ability to perform both C–H esterification and alkylation using different types of aldehydes. The reaction system is highly compatible with a range of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones and aldehydes, yielding C3-esterified and C3-alkylated products in moderate-to-good yields. The applicability of this approach is further enhanced by its scalability through continuous-flow synthesis, late-stage modification of significant molecules, and product derivatization. Our mechanistic investigations reveal a radical relay mechanism, triggered by a hydrogen atom transfer process.