Copper-catalyzed aerobic oxidative decarboxylative amination of arylacetic acids: a facile access to 2-arylquinazolines

Abstract

An efficient copper-catalyzed oxidative decarboxylative amination of arylacetic acids with 2-aminobenzoketones and ammonium acetate under an oxygen atmosphere was first developed. This reaction represents a novel avenue for 2-arylquinazolines in good to excellent yields via multiple C–N bond formations. This protocol features inexpensive copper as the catalyst, molecular oxygen as the sole oxidant, H₂O and CO₂ as wastes, and a broad substrate scope.