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.

Graphical abstractOxidation of Fischer tungsten–carbene uracil complexes allows the preparation of 6-substituted uracils. In this investigation several commonly used oxidants have been considered and, finally, t-butyl hydroperoxide, employed for the first time in the oxidation of Fischer-type carbene complexes, proved to be a good alternative to the other already available methods.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide