The selective N-
or O-alkylation
of 4-(trihalomethyl)pyrimidin-2(1H)-ones, using 5-bromo enones/enaminones as alkylating agents, is
reported. It was found that the selectivity toward the N- or O-regioisomer is driven by the substituent
present at the 6-position of the pyrimidine ring, thus enabling the
preparation of each isomer as the sole product, in 60–95% yields.
Subsequent cyclocondensation of the enaminone moiety with nitrogen
dinucleophiles led to pyrimidine–azole conjugates in 55–83%
yields.