A Copper-Catalyzed Synthesis of Pyridoquinazolinones via C(sp2)–H Functionalization and Annulation of Benzoic Acids with 2‑Aminopyridines

A facile synthesis of pyridoquinazolinones has been accomplished via C(sp2)–H functionalization and annulation of benzoic acids with 2-aminopyridines using Cu(OAc)2 as catalyst in DMSO. The reaction involves the formation of amides which on ortho amination followed by trans-amidation afford a wide array of products under ligand/base-free conditions.