Regioselective synthesis of N(3)- and O-acylmethyl derivatives of 2-methylthio-4(3H)-quinazolinone

Reaction of 2‐methylthio‐4(3H)‐quinazolinone with chloroacetone, ω‐bromoacetophenone or ethyl bromoacetate in different solvents (methanol, acetonitrile, dimethylformamide and toluene) using sodium methoxide or potassium carbonate as a base were studied. Regioselective N(3)‐alkylation took place in toluene using potassium carbonate, whereas in dimethylformamide O‐acylmethyl derivatives were obtained. However chloroacetone reacted with 2‐methylthio‐4(3H)‐quinazolinone under various conditions to give a mixture of N(3)/O‐isomers.