Synthesis of Selenium-Containing N -Quinazolinyl Acroleins via a 3,3-Radical Rearrangement Cascade Reaction.

An effective approach for the construction of 2-aryl-3-(3-oxo-1-aryl-2-(organoselanyl)prop-1-en-1-yl)quinazolin-4(3 H )-ones was developed. Excellent to almost quantitative yields were obtained by the cascade reaction of propargyl quinazoline-4-yl ethers, diselenides, and 70% tert -butyl hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution under metal-free and mild conditions. The synthesized hybrids, with conglomeration of quinazolinone, organoselenium, aldehyde, and fully substituted alkene moieties in one molecule, will have the potential for applications in development of new drugs or drug candidates.