Functionalized quinoxalines and heterocyclic pyrazines are expediently prepared in excellent yields (69–99%) from common 1, 2-diketone intermediates under microwave irradiation. In addition to being general for a variety of aryl/heteroaryl 1, 2-diamines and 1, 2- diketones, this protocol suppresses the formation of polymeric species, characteristic of traditional thermal conditions.