Mukaiyama's reagent promoted C-N bond formation: a new method to synthesize 3-alkylquinazolin-4-ones

A new approach to synthesize 3-alkylquinazolin-4-ones is developed. Treatment of quinazolin-4-ones with Mukaiyama's reagent, a base and a primary amine nucleophile results in the formation of 3-alkylquinazolin-4-ones in moderate to good yields under mild conditions. Using this methodology, a one-step synthesis of the natural alkaloid, echinozolinone, is accomplished.