Compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R and R.sup.o are lower alkyl, R' is optionally substituted phenyl or 2-thienyl and n is 0 to 2, and their salt forms, are prepared by reacting a compound of the formula: ##STR2## with an aromatic nitrile and strong base, and quenching with water when the free base form is desired, said first mentioned compounds being intermediates for quinazolinones.
