Achieving challenging molecular diversity in contemporary chemical synthesis
remains a formidable hurdle, particularly in the delivery of diversified bioactive heterocyclic
pharmacophores for drug design and pharmaceutical applications. The coupling methods that
combine a diverse range of readily accessible and commercially available pools of substrates
under the action of earth-abundant first row transition metal catalysts have certainly matured
into powerful tools, thus offering sustainable alternatives to revolutionize the organic synthesis.
This minireview highlights the successful utilization of the catalytic ability of the first
row transition metals (Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu) in the modular assembly of quinazoline heterocycle,
ubiquitously present in numerous alkaloids, commercial medicines and is associated with a
diverse range of pharmacological activities. The broad substrate scope and high functional group tolerance of the
targeted methods were extensively explored, identifying the future strategic advances in the field. The investigation
will also be exemplified with mechanistic studies as long as they are deemed necessary.
Earth-abundant 3d transition metals on the rise in catalysis
