La(OAc)3 has been used as an efficient catalytic system for the synthesis of quinoxalines. This method provides several advantages over methods that are currently employed such as a simple work-up, mild reaction conditions, good to excellent yields, and a process to recover and reuse the catalyst for five cycles with consistent activity.

The 1,6-conjugate addition of nucleophiles to dienyl diketones produces either cyclopentenone or 2H-pyran products with high selectivity through either Nazarov (4π) or 6π electrocyclization, respectively. The outcome of the reaction is dependent upon the nature of the nucleophile used. Nucleophiles that are anionic or easily deprotonated exclusively produce cyclopentenones via Nazarov cyclizati...