ZrOCl2·8H2O in water: An efficient catalyst for rapid one-pot synthesis of pyridopyrazines, pyrazines and 2,3-disubstituted quinoxalines

Zirconium(IV) oxide chloride was found to be a rapid and efficient catalyst for the synthesis of pyrazines and 2,3-disubstituted quinoxalines in water. A variety of pyridopyrazine and 2,3-disubstituted quinoxaline derivatives are readily prepared in high yields under green conditions by cyclocondensation of the desired 1,2-diamine and 1,2-diketone using a catalytic amount of zirconium(IV) oxide chloride in water. Less active diamines, such as 2,3- and 3,4-diaminopyridines took part in this protocol to provide the desired products in good to excellent yields.