Synthesis of Cu-catalysed quinazolinones using a C_sp3–H functionalisation/cyclisation strategy

A series of 2,3-disubstituted-4(3H)-quinazolinones were synthesised via a copper-catalysed C_sp3–H functionalisation/cyclisation of 2-amino-N,N-dialkylbenzamides. In comparison to the reported methods this strategy allows an easy access to diversely substituted quinazolinones under mild conditions in air. The reaction also exhibits good functional group tolerance and would be of value to heterocyclic researchers as well as pharmaceutical process chemists. The reaction is proposed to proceed through a double SET type radical mechanism.