A convenient, high-yield synthesis of 1-substituted uracil and thymine derivatives

Novel reagents for the synthesis of 1-substituted uracil and thymine derivatives have been developed. The aminolysis of 2- or 4-nitrophenyl 3-ethoxyacryloylcarbamate and 3-ethoxy-2-methylacryloylcarbamate with a variety of primary amino derivatives proceeded smoothly under very mild reaction conditions yielding almost quantitatively the 1,3-disubstituted urea derivatives. Their subsequent cyclization provided the 1-substituted uracil and thymine compounds, in almost quantitative yield.