Efficient one-pot synthesis of 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones from aromatic aldehydes and their one-pot oxidation to quinazolin-4(3H)-ones catalyzed by Bi(NO3)3·5H2O: Investigating the role of the catalyst

An efficient and novel synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones via one-pot, three-component reaction of isatoic anhydride, primary amines and aromatic aldehydes catalyzed by Bi(NO3)3·5H2O under solvent-free conditions is described. Oxidation of these 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones to their quinazolin-4(3H)-ones was also successfully performed in the presence of Bi(NO3)3·5H2O. This new method has the advantages of convenient manipulation, short reaction times, excellent yields, very easy work-up, and the use of commercially available, low cost and relatively non-toxic catalyst. The role of Bi(NO3)3·5H2O was also investigated in these transformations.