Synthesis of N–N Linked Indolyl Quinazolinones via De Novo Construction of the Quinazolinone Ring

Abstract A class of six-membered heterobiaryl indoles, N–N linked indolyl quinazolinones, has been accessed via the de novo construction of the quinazolinone ring. Addressing the scarcity of synthetic methods for N–N linked six-membered heterobiaryl indoles, a Brønsted acid-catalyzed (5 + 1) annulation/oxidation cascade of indole-derived 2-aminobenzamides and aldehydes was established. This protocol affords a structurally diverse library of N–N linked heterobiaryl indoles in excellent yields (up to 99%). This work enriches the extensive family of N–N linked heterobiaryl indoles with a new member possessing potential biological utility.