One-pot electrochemical synthesis of quinazolinones by Fe(III)-catalyzed indirect anodic oxidation

An operationally simple electrochemical approach for the one-pot synthesis of quinazolinones employing low-cost and relatively environmentally friendly FeCl3 as electrocatalysts has been established. By use of readily available o-aminobenzamides and alcohols as starting materials, the Fe/acid electrocatalytic system was conducted under mild conditions to provide quinazolinones via indirect anodic oxidation/cyclization/dehydrogenation cascade in moderate to good yields. This protocol provides a practical and environmentally benign route for the preparation of quinazolinone derivatives under mild conditions.