Palladium-catalyzed carbonylative synthesis of N-(2-cyanoaryl)benzamides and sequential synthesis of quinazolinones

A convenient procedure for the synthesis of N-(2-cyanoaryl)benzamides has been developed. Using aryl bromides and 2-aminobenzonitriles as the substrates, Mo(CO)6 as the CO source, the desired amides were produced in good yields. Quinazolinones were produced in good yields in a sequential manner as well.