Ru(ii)-Catalyzed C–H addition and oxidative cyclization of 2-aryl quinazolinones with activated aldehydes

Abstract

The ruthenium(II)-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction between 2-aryl quinazolinones and activated aldehydes is described. This method enables the site-selective hydroxyalkylation under redox-neutral conditions. Moreover, this protocol provides a facile access to various tetracyclic isoindoloquinazolinones by using Cu(OAc)₂ as an external oxidant via C–H addition and subsequent intramolecular cyclization. A wide substrate scope and a high level of chemoselectivity as well as broad functional group tolerance are observed.