KOtBu Mediated Alcohol Dehydrogenation Strategy: Synthesis of 2‐Aryl Quinazolinones.

Herein we report an atom‐economical, transition metal‐free method for synthesizing 2‐aryl quinazolinones through a cascade annulation of 2‐amino benzamide and benzyl alcohol. The reaction proceeds via KOtBu‐mediated acceptorless alcohol dehydrogenation pathways. The procedure tolerates a wide variety of functional groups and provides a convenient method for the synthesis of 2‐aryl quinazolinones. Mechanistic insights by experiments and DFT calculations lead to unveil the reaction mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]