Transition metal-free synthesis of 2-aryl quinazolines via alcohol dehydrogenation

We report here a transition metal-free synthesis of quinazoline derivatives starting from 2-aminobenzyl alcohols and aryl amides via an alcohol dehydrogenation strategy promoted by potassium tertiary butoxide. The control experiments are carried out to identify the reaction intermediates and the role of the K+ ion in the reaction. The DFT calculations unveil the reaction mechanism, with special focus on the rate determining state. The present method tolerates a variety of functional groups providing easy access to diversely substituted quinazolines.