Electro-oxidative cyclization: access to quinazolinones via K₂S₂O₈ without transition metal catalyst and base

A K₂S₂O₈-promoted oxidative tandem cyclization of primary alcohols with 2-aminobenzamides to synthesize quinazolinones was successfully achieved under undivided electrolytic conditions without a transition metal and base. The key feature of this protocol is the utilization of K₂S₂O₈ as an inexpensive and easy-to-handle radical surrogate that can effectively promote the reaction via a simple procedure, leading to the formation of nitrogen heterocycles via direct oxidative cyclization at room temperature in a one-pot procedure under constant current. Owing to the use of continuous-flow electrochemical setups, this green, mild and practical electrosynthesis features high efficiency and excellent functional group tolerance and is easy to scale up.