Manganaelectro-Catalyzed Cyclization of -Aminoarylketones with Ammonia: An Approach to 1,2-Dihydroquinazolines.

A manganaelectro-catalyzed cyclization reaction of 2-aminoarylketones with simple alcohols and ammonia under mild conditions is reported for the first time. The cooperative catalysis effectively enhances the oxidation of primary alcohols into aldehydes, thus enabling the synthesis of substituted 1,2-dihydroquinazolines in good to excellent yields. In addition, the utilities of this method are highlighted in the construction of biologically active molecules that would otherwise be difficult to access through a traditional method.