A cascade reaction sequence en route to 7-substituted 2-aminopyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrimidine-4,6-diones and the corresponding acrylic acid derivatives

Reaction of α-bromo ketones with 6-amino-2-methylpyrimidin-4(3H)-one under basic conditions and in the presence of atmospheric oxygen affords novel 7-substituted 2-amino-pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrimidine-4,6-diones that are readily hydrolyzed to afford the corresponding acrylic acid derivatives. The reaction sequence consists of an initial alkylation, followed by an unexpected condensation, elimination, and oxidation sequence to afford the products. This cascade reaction sequence represents a rapid and unprecedented route to the described small molecules.