Gold-catalyzed oxidation of arylallenes: Synthesis of quinoxalines and benzimidazoles

Abstract

A gold-catalyzed oxidation of arylallenes to form α-diketones and aldehydes in good yields is presented. Further directed synthesis of quinoxalines and benzimidazoles, via the condensation of the resulting α-diketones and aldehydes with benzene-1,2-diamine, was achieved in high yields.

Keywords

• allene
• benzimidazole
• gold-catalysis
• oxidation
• quinoxaline