A general and efficient
method for the synthesis of quinazolinones,
quinoxalinones, benzooxazinones, and benzothiazoles from the reactions
of α-keto acids with 2-aminobenzamides, benzene-1,2-diamines,
2-aminophenols, and 2-aminobenzenethiols, respectively, is described.
The reactions were conducted under catalyst-free conditions, using
water as the sole solvent with no additive required, and successfully
applied to the synthesis of sildenafil. More importantly, these reactions
can be conducted on a mass scale, and the products can be easily purified
through filtration and washing with ethanol (or crystallized).