A novel ruthenium-catalyzed dehydrogenative synthesis of 2-arylquinazolines from 2-aminoaryl methanols and benzonitriles.

By employing a commercially available Ru3(CO)12/Xantphos/t-BuOK catalyst system, a novel and straightforward ruthenium-catalyzed dehydrogenative synthesis of 2-arylquinazolines has been demonstrated. A series of 2-aminoaryl methanols were efficiently converted in combination with different types of benzonitriles into various desired products in moderate to good yields upon isolation. The synthetic protocol proceeds with the advantages of operational simplicity, high atom efficiency, broad substrate scope, and no need for the use of less environmentally benign halogenated reagents, offering an important basis for accessing 2-arylquinazolines.