RE[N(SiMe3)2]3-Catalyzed Guanylation/Cyclization of Amino Acid Esters and Carbodiimides.

The example of rare-earth metal-catalyzed guanylation/cyclization of amino acid esters and carbodiimides is well-established, forming 4(3H)-2-alkylaminoquinazolinones in 65-96% yields. The rare-earth metal amides RE[N(TMS)2]3 (RE = Y, Yb, Nd, Sm, La; TMS = SiMe3) showed high activities, and La[N(TMS)2]3 performed best for a wide scope of the substrates.