Selective Oxidative Cleavage of 3-Methylindoles with Primary Amines Affording Quinazolinones

A selective functionalization of C–C═C bonds toward N–C═O bonds is realized by an n-Bu4NI-catalyzed reaction of 3-methylindoles with primary amines using TBHP as the unique oxidant. The systematic process involves oxygenation, nitrogenation, ring-opening, and recyclization, affording a broad range of quinazolinones in good to excellent yields.