A new mixed-linker iron-based MOF VNU-21 [Fe-3(BTC)(EDB)(2)center dot 12.27H(2)O] was synthesized via mixed linker synthetic strategy using 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid, 4,4'-ethynylenedibenzoic acid, and FeCl2. The VNU-21 was consequently used as a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst in the one-pot synthesis of quinazolinones via two steps under oxygen atmosphere. The synthetic scheme involved iron-catalyzed oxidative Csp(3)-H bond activation to achieve decarboxylation of phenylacetic acids, and succeeding metal-free oxidative cyclization with 2-aminobenzamides. The VNU-21 was more effective than a series of heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts. It was possible to reutilize the iron-based framework without a considerable deterioration in catalytic performance. To our best knowledge, this one-pot synthesis of quinazolinones was not previously performed using a recyclable catalyst. (C) 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.