Copper-catalyzed annulation of 2-formylazoles with o-aminoiodoarenes

Catalytic CuI and sparteine have annulated 2-formylpyrroles with o-aminoiodoarenes to produce substituted pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalines and related heterocycles. The reaction has worked for annulation of 2-formylindoles, 2-formylimidazole, 2-formylbenzimidazole and a 3-formylpyrazole.