Iridium-Catalyzed Cyclization of o-Aminobenzamides with Unsaturated Aldehydes to Give 2-Alkylquinazolinones through a Hydrogen Autotransfer Process

The synthesis of 2-alkylquinazolinones via iridium-catalyzed cyclization of o-aminobenzamides with unsaturated aldehydes has been accomplished. In the presence of [Cp*IrCl2](2), a series of desirable products were obtained in 77-91% yields. This strategy is attractive due to high atom efficiency and the formation of water as the only side product.