A method for the conversion of pyrimidines into pyrazoles
by a
formal carbon deletion has been achieved guided by computational analysis.
The pyrimidine heterocycle is the most common diazine in FDA-approved
drugs, and pyrazoles are the most common diazole. An efficient method
to convert pyrimidines into pyrazoles would therefore be valuable
by leveraging the chemistries unique to pyrimidines to access diversified
pyrazoles. One method for the conversion of pyrimidines into pyrazoles
is known, though it proceeds in low yields and requires harsh conditions.
The transformation reported here proceeds under milder conditions,
tolerates a wide range of functional groups, and enables the simultaneous
regioselective introduction of N-substitution on the resulting pyrazole.
Key to the success of this formal one-carbon deletion method is a
room-temperature triflylation of the pyrimidine core, followed by
hydrazine-mediated skeletal remodeling.