Synthesis and properties of 1-Benzothiopyrano[2,3-d]-pyrimidine-2,4-(3H)diones (10-thia-5-deazaflavins)

Treatment of 6-arylthiouracils with the Vilsmeier reagent (dimethylformamide-phosphorus oxychloride) gave the corresponding 6-arylthio-5-formyluracils, which could alternatively be prepared by the condensation of 6-chloro-5-formyluracils with thiophenols. Dehydrative cyclization of the above 5-formyluracils with polyphosphoric acid gave 1-benzothiopyrano2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4-(3H)diones (10-thia-5-deazaflavins). These 10-thia-5-deazaflavins oxidized alcohols to give the corresponding carbonyl compounds with the aid of strong base, and they were hydrogenated to 1,5-dihydro-10-thia-5-deazaflavins. Treatment of 10-thia-5-deazaflavins with concentrated aqueous potassium hydroxide led to the exclusive formation of 1,5-dihydro-10-thia-5-deazaflavins and 1,5-dihydro-10-thia-5-deazaflavin-5-ones via intermolecular oxidation-reduction (disproportionation) between initially formed 1,5-dihydro-5-hydroxy-10-thia-5-deazaflavins and unchanged 10-thia-5-deazaflavins.