A simple and efficient method for the synthesis of 2-spiroquinazolinones employing aluminum metal–organic frameworks as multifunctional carriers

In this study we demonstrated a successful synthesis of 2-spiro-2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones from 2-aminobenzamides and cyclic ketones using aluminum metal–organic frameworks as a heterogeneous catalyst and support acting as a reaction medium, a weak Lewis acid, and a selective water sorbent. The use of AlFum and MIL-121 led to the preparation of various 2-spiroquinazolinones in 51–98% yields. The effects of the catalyst nature, temperature, reaction time, and reactant ratio on the formation of cyclocondensation products were assessed. The reaction proceeded at a high reactant to support weight ratio, the isolated products did not require chromatographic purification. It was shown that AlFum is easily regenerated and could be reused without loss of catalytic activity.