First SNAr reaction using TDAE-initiated carbanions in quinazoline series

We report herein the first example of a SNAr reaction using TDAE-initiated carbanions in quinazoline series. The o-nitrobenzyl carbanion, formed by the action of TDAE on o-nitrobenzyl chloride, reacts with 4-chloro-2-trihalomethylquinazolines 4 and 5 via a SNAr mechanism. This enabled a new series of 4-benzyl-2-trihaloquinazoline derivatives to be synthesized in good yields under mild reaction conditions offering promising prospects for pharmacomodulation.