Investigating N-methoxy-N′-aryl ureas in oxidative C–H olefination reactions: an unexpected oxidation behaviour

Herein, we report a urea derived directing group for mild and highly selective oxidative C–H bond olefination. Subsequent intramolecular Michael addition affords dihydroquinazolinones in good yields. The N–O bond of the urea substrate exhibits superior oxidative behaviour compared to a variety of other external oxidants.