Synthesis of 5-Alkyl Substituted Uracil Derivatives from Barbituric Acid

A new two step synthesis of 5-alkyluracil derivatives from barbituric acids is described. Regioselective mono O-mesylation of barbituric acids, followed by desulfonylation under reductive conditions, afforded uracils in high overall yield. The reductive desulfonylation step is also discussed