A method for coupling of benzylamines and 2-nitrobenzonitriles is herein reported. Reactions proceeded in the presence of FeCl3, elemental sulfur, urea, DABCO (1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) base, and DMF solvent. The conditions were compatible with both electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents. This tactic appears to be the first method to use a first-row transition metal to promote the synthesis of 2-aryl-4-quinazolinones from commercially available 2-nitrobenzonitriles.