Direct access to quinazolines enabled by transient directing groups

Abstract

A Rh(III)-catalyzed annulation has been developed for the synthesis of quinazolines via site-selective C–H activation of aryl ketones with dioxazolones. The reaction proceeds under mild, redox-neutral conditions and does not require pre-installed directing groups. An in situ generated transient directing group derived from hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic acid (HOSA) enables selective C–H activation. This method converts readily available aryl ketones into structurally diverse quinazolines in moderate to excellent yields.