An efficient one-pot, two-step synthesis of 4-substituted 1-heteroarylpiperazines under microwave irradiation conditions

A highly efficient one-pot, two-step microwave procedure has been developed for the synthesis of 4-substituted 1-heteroarylpiperazines. Microwave heating of heteroaryl chlorides with 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) at 160 °C for 15 min yielded 1-heteroaryl-4-(2-chloroethyl)piperazines, which could be further reacted with various nucleophiles, again under microwave irradiation conditions, to give an array of 4-substituted 1-heteroarylpiperazines in good to excellent yields.