KO^tBu Mediated Alcohol Dehydrogenation Strategy: Synthesis of 2-Aryl Quinazolinones

Herein we report an atom-economical, transition metal-free method for synthesizing 2-aryl quinazolinones through a cascade annulation of 2-amino benzamide and benzyl alcohol. The reaction proceeds via KOtBu-mediated acceptorless alcohol dehydrogenation pathways. The procedure tolerates a wide variety of functional groups and provides a convenient method for the synthesis of 2-aryl quinazolinones. Mechanistic insights by experiments and DFT calculations lead to unveil the reaction mechanism.