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. (Figure presented.).