Microwave-mediated heterocyclization to benzimidazo[2,1-b]quinazolin-12(5H)-ones

An effective route to benzimidazo[2,1-b]quinazolin-12(5H)-ones from commercially available o-aryl isothiocyanate esters and o-phenylenediamines is reported. This method accommodates a variety of substituents on either starting material and proceeds under microwave irradiation in the presence of barium hydroxide, conditions that do not hydrolyze methyl ester substituents. The pharmacologically pertinent benzimidazoquinazolinone heterocycle is delivered in excellent yield and purity via both solution- and solid-phase protocols, the latter involving traceless release from the resin.