Influence of Solvent and Oxidant in Copper-Catalyzed Synthesis of Xanthine Skeletons

Abstract

An interesting approach for the synthesis of xanthine skeletons by a copper-catalyzed reaction between N,N′-dialkylated 5-bromouracil derivatives and amidines are being reported. The coupling reaction was promoted by catalytic amount of Cu(OAc)2 in the presence of molecular O2. The 1,4-dioxane was found to be a better solvent for the reaction and the reaction was believed to go through a N-arylation and subsequent C-H activation/C-N bond formation process.