Preparation of 4(3H)-quinazolinones from aryldiazonium salt, nitriles and 2-aminobenzoate via a cascade annulation

Abstract One-pot synthesis of 3-aryl-4( 3H )-quinazolinones has been realized through a cascade annulation. Reaction of aryldiazonium salt with a nitrile provides in situ generation of a reactive nitrilium ion, which is attacked by the amino group of 2-aminobenzoate followed by cyclization to deliver the desired product. This strategy offers a convenient and easy access to a wide range of functionalized quinazolinone.