The present invention relates to preparation of bicyclic compounds, and more particularly to the preparation of l-substituted 4 aryl-2(1H)-quinazolinones of the Formula I: wherein R is lower alkyl, preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms, e.g. methyl, isoprop'yl, etc.; R is hydrogen or lower alkyl, preferably of from 1 to 3 carbon atoms; R is phenyl or substituted phenyl of the formula: Y is halo of atomi