Copper-Catalyzed Oxidative [4 + 2]-Cyclization Reaction of Glycine Esters with Anthranils: Access to 3,4-Dihydroquinazolines.

An efficient and atom-economical approach for the synthesis of 3,4-dihydroquinazolines has been developed via copper-catalyzed oxidative cross-dehydrogenative [4 + 2]-cyclization of glycine derivatives with anthranils. This strategy features high efficiency and wide substrate tolerance under simple reaction conditions. Various 3,4-dihydroquinazoline derivatives could be easily obtained starting from titled products through chemical transformations, which further enhance its synthetic utility in organic synthesis and development of drugs.