The synthesis and photophysical studies of quinoxaline and pyridopyrazine derivatives

A simple and facile method for the synthesis of 2,3-bis[(E)-2-aryl vinyl]-quinoxaline and 2,3-bis[(E)-2-aryl vinyl]-pyrido(2,3-b)pyrazine is described. Condensation of cinnamils with 1,2-diaminobenzene and 2,3-diaminopyridine in water using conventional heating and microwave irradiation afforded high yields (71–92%) of 2,3-bis[(E)-2-aryl vinyl]-quinoxalines and 2,3-bis[(E)-2-arylvinyl]-pyrido(2,3-b)pyrazines. The photophysical properties of the resultant quinoxaline and pyrazine derivatives were studied; the pyridopyrazine derivatives were found to exhibit halochromism.