Abstract A tandem reduction-reductive amination reaction has been applied to the synthesis of 3, 4-dihydro-2H-1, 4-benzoxazines and 1-acetyl-1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydroquinoxalines. The nitroketones required for the benzoxazine ring closures were prepared by (A) alkylation of the anion derived from 2-nitrophenol with an allylic halide or (B) nucleophilic aromatic substitution of an allylic alkoxide on 2-fluoro-1-nitrobenzene followed by ozonolysis. ...