Copper-Catalyzed Acceptorless Dehydrogenative Coupling of 2-Aminoaryl Methanols with Nitriles for Accessing Quinazolines and Quinolines

A copper acetate monohydrate catalyzed simple, effective and economic protocol has been developed for the construction of quinazoline derivatives via acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling of easily available 2-aminoaryl methanols and nitriles. The methodology was also highly effective for the synthesis of medicinally important quinolines analogues. The reactions proceeded in presence of (KOBu)-Bu-t in toluene at 110 degrees C for 5 h without the requirement of inert condition, external additives and ligands.