Synthesis of 5-substituted pyrimidines. ortho-directed lithiation of pyrimidine derivatives

ortho-Directed lithiation of some pyrimidines has been investigated. Treatment of 2- and/or 4-alkoxy or acylaminopyrimidine with lithium 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidide in ether at 0°, followed by quenching with various electrophiles afforded the corresponding 5-substituted pyrimidines.