Alkylations and Hydroxymethylations of Pyrazines via Green Minisci-Type Reactions

A new general methodology utilizing Minisci-type chemistry has been developed that cleanly and efficiently prepares alkyl- and (hydroxymethyl)pyrazines. The new methods eliminate toxic catalysts and halogenated solvents, providing a greatly improved route to these natural products which are prevalent in many natural systems as bacterial volatiles, plant volatiles, and insect pheromones.