Chemo- and regioselective functionalization of uracil derivatives. Applications to the synthesis of oxypurinol and emivirine

A novel route for the synthesis of 4,5-difunctionalized uracils using a chemo-and regioselective bromine/magnesium exchange reaction on 5-bromo-4-halogeno-2,6-dimethoxypyrimidines has been developed. Applications to the synthesis of pharmaceuticals such as oxypurinol and emivirine are reported.