Iron‐catalyzed, elemental selenium‐promoted cyclization of 2‐nitrobenzonitriles with arylacetic acids

Abstract

AbstractWe report herein a method for synthesis of 2‐arylquinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones via an iron‐catalyzed, elemental selenium‐promoted cascade annulation of 2‐nitrobenzonitriles with arylacetic acids. The reactions proceeded in the presence of iron(III) acetylacetonate catalyst, elemental selenium, and DABCO base. A wide range of functionalities, including unprotected alcohols, amines, methylsulfonyl, and halogen groups, were compatible with reaction conditions.