Rapid access to novel 2-alkylthiopyrimidine derivatives and attempt of their Tacrine analogs synthesis

A variety of novel 2-alkylthiopyrimidines were synthesized through simple condensation of arylidenemalononitriles with different 2-alkylthiouronium halide derivatives catalyzed by anhydrous potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃). The reactions have been carried out under mild conditions in i-PrOH, and the products were obtained in moderate to good yields with a simple work-up method. Subsequently, some examples of these compounds have been converted into Tacrine analogs by applying the Friedländer reaction.