Cu(II)-mediated synthesis of a new fluorescent pyrido[1,2-a]quinoxalin-11-ium derivative.

Quinoxalines are heterocyclic compounds with potential application as drugs or fluorophores. However, few quinoxalinylium salts have been reported in the literature. This manuscript describes the synthesis and structural characterization of a previously unknown quinoxalinylium derivative, 2-aminopyrido[1,2-a]quinoxalin-11-ylium ([1](+)), as perchlorate and thiocyanate salts from the Cu(II)-mediated reaction of a Schiff base. The reaction is most efficient with Cu(II). The formation of a small quantity was observed spectroscopically in the presence of either a strong oxidizer or Mn (II). No product formation was observed with Zn(II), Cd(II), Fe(II), or Ni(II). [1](+) emits at 580 nm, with a quantum yield estimated as 0.23, upon excitation at 470 nm.