A Convenient Route for the Synthesis of 4-Aryl- and 4-Aminopyrimidines

A series of ureidopropenenitriles were synthesised by Knoevenagel condensation of ArCOCH₂CN and HC(OEt)₃ in presence of ureas in a one pot reaction. These ureidopropenenitriles were cyclised to 4-aryl-5-cyano-3-substituted pyrimidines (in acid) or to 4-amino-5-benzoylpyrimidines (in base) in 60–70% yields. The amine pyrimidine derivatives were further converted to substituted uracils by hydrolysis with isopentyl nitrite in DMF. Alkylation of uracils furnished 1,3-dimethyluracil derivatives with DMS in alkali. All new compounds were characterised by spectral and analytical methods.