Ionic liquid mediated one-pot synthesis of 6-aminouracils

A novel, one-pot synthesis of 6-aminouracils via in situ generated ureas and cyanoacetylureas in the presence of an ionic liquid catalyst, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidine acetate, is described. The catalyst can be recycled for five consecutive runs without loss of activity. The mechanism for the ring closure of cyanoacetylurea to 6-aminouracil is also discussed.