Synthesis of uracil derivatives by oxidation of Fischer tungsten–carbene uracil complexes

A study on the oxidation of Fischer tungsten–carbene uracil complexes has been carried out. Several commonly used oxidants gave results strongly influenced by the presence of substituent on nitrogen atoms. In particular, usual oxidants failed in the oxidation of 3-alkyl uracil carbene complexes. Finally, we showed that t-butyl hydroperoxide is able to oxidize successfully also 3-alkyl uracil carbene complexes and can be used as a good alternative to the other methods.