WeddigeS2 Zacharias, s and Thieme4 had successfully cyclized similar compounds (I)(R= methyl) using ammonia. However, Thieme4 had reported amide ammonolysis as a side reaction. In this instance (R= nitrobenzyl)(I) the ammonolysis product (o- nitrophenylacetamide)(11) was obtained in good yield with no trace of the quinazolone.