Synthesis of Quinazolinones Via a Tandem Hydrogen-Transfer Strategy Catalyzed by N,S Co-doped Carbon-Anchored Co Nanoparticles

A N,S codoped carbon-anchored Co nanoparticle (NP) material (Co@NSC-1) has been developed via the pyrolysis of the mixture of Co/Zn–zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) and thiourea. This catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic activity for the synthesis of quinazolinones from 2-nitrobenzonitrile and benzyl alcohol under additive-free conditions. The superior activity is mainly attributed to the dispersed Co NPs, large specific surface areas, strong acid–base sites, and the synergistic effects between cobalt NPs and doping of N,S atoms. It is worth noting that Co NPs are protected by the N,S codoped carbon shells of this catalyst, so it displays no significant loss in activity after six runs.