Photo-induced aerobic cross-coupling of quinoxalin-2(1<i>H</i>)-ones with electron-rich thiophenes

Herein, an economical and efficient protocol was developed for the aerobic oxidative cross-coupling of electron-rich thiophenes and quinoxazolines with the activation of two C-H bonds. No external photosensitizer was necessary for constructing the thiophenyl-quinoxazoline backbone. The substrate scope demonstrated the good functional tolerance of quinoxalin-2(1<i>H</i>)-ones, and suitable thiophenes for this coupling fall within the special spectrum of oxidative potentials lower than +1.50 V <i>vs.</i> SCE.