Visible‐Light‐Promoted Switchable Synthesis of C‐3‐Functionalized Quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones.

A visible‐light‐promoted synthesis of quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones has been developed using 9‐mesityl‐10‐methylacridinium perchlorate as an organo‐photocatalyst. The atmosphere‐controlled method (Ar/air) enabled the selective synthesis of hydroxyl‐ and acyl‐containing quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones under mild reaction conditions without the use of any metal catalysts or toxic reagents. A fluorescent labelling experiment showed that hydroxyl‐containing quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones may have utility in various biological applications as potent fluorophores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]