One-Pot Protocol for the Synthesis of Imidazoles and Quinoxalines using N-Bromosuccinimide

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/adsc.201700900

N-bromosuccinimide (NBS)-mediated one-pot, green, efficient and practical synthesis of substituted imidazoles and quinoxalines has been achieved by the reaction of styrenes with N-arylbenzamidines and o-phenylenediamines, respectively, in a water:1,4-dioxane mixture. The reaction involves formation of an α-bromo ketone as an intermediate in the presence of NBS and water, followed by condensation with the N-arylbenzamidine and o-phenylenediamine. Use of an inexpensive NBS as a bromine source as well as an oxidant, water as a solvent and readily available starting materials makes this protocol environmentally benign and economically viable. Substituted imidazoles and quinoxalines were obtained in good to excellent yields with wide functional group compatibility. (Figure presented.).