Synthesis and hypnotic activities of 4-thio analogues of N3-substituted uridines

Reaction of tri-O-acetyluridine (1) with benzyl bromide or 2-chloroacetophenone in the presence of K2CO3 gave the N3-substituted analogues 2a,c. Condensation of 1 with (+/-)-1-phenylethanol or 3,5-dimethylbenzyl alcohol using the Mitsunobu reaction also gave 2b,d in good yields. These compounds were allowed to react with Lawesson's reagent and were subsequently treated with ammonia to afford the 4-thiouracil derivatives 5a-d. Compounds 5a-c showed moderate hypnotic activity in mice. However, N3-(3,5-dimethyl)benzyl derivatives 3d, 5d were found to be almost inactive in this assay.