Facile access to quinazolin-4(3)-ones by tandem Cu-catalyzed annulation of 2-nitrobenzonitrile and alcohols under air.

A convenient Cu-catalyzed synthesis of 2-arylquinazolin-4(3)-one derivatives has been developed from simple starting materials such as 2-nitrobenzonitriles and alcohols under mild conditions. This procedure showed a broad substrate scope and tolerance of functional groups, high yields, and no need to use oxidants or reductants, making synthesis simple, convenient, and sustainable. Our methodology may be utilized for the one-pot synthesis of glycosminine alkaloid.