Pyrimidines. 65. Synthesis of 6-substituted thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-diones†

Several 6-substituted thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione derivatives were synthesized. 6-Ethoxycarbonyl derivatives 3 and 7 were prepared by treatment of 6-chloro-5-formyluracil 1 and 6-chloro-5-cyanouracil 6 with ethyl 2-mercaptoacetate in the presence of a base. Electrophilic substitution reactions (Vilsmeier-Haack reaction, bromination, and nitration) of 5,6-unsubstituted thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine 9, prepared by condensation of 6-mercaptouracil 8 with chloroacetaldehyde, afforded the corresponding 6-formyl-, 6-bromo-, and 6-nitrothieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines 10, 15 and 16, respectively.