A chain of π-stacked molecules in 4-(2-chlorophenyl)pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline and a hydrogen-bonded sheet in (4RS)-4-(1,3-1,3-benzodioxol-6-yl)-4,5-dihydropyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline.

In the molecule of 4-(2-chlorophenyl)pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline, C17H11ClN2, (I), the bond lengths are consistent with electron delocalization in the two outer rings of the fused tricyclic system, with a localized double bond in the central ring. The molecules of (I) are linked into chains by a π-π stacking interaction. In (4RS)-4-(1,3-benzodioxol-6-yl)-4,5-dihydropyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline, C18H14N2O2, (II), the central ring of the fused tricyclic system adopts a conformation intermediate between screw-boat and half-chair forms. A combination of N-H···O and C-H···π(arene) hydrogen bonds links the molecules of (II) into a sheet. Comparisons are made with related compounds.