New method for the synthesis of thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines.

The reaction of 5-formyl-4-thiocyanatopyrimidines with nitromethane was studied under various conditions. The reaction was found unexpectedly to proceed with closure of a thiophene ring to give thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines. The use of ammonium acetate as the catalyst leads to a side reaction involving closure of an isothiazole ring to give isothiazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidines. X-ray diffraction crystallographic analysis was used to confirm the structure of thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]