Blocking-Deblocking of the NH-Functionality of Uracil and its Derivatives

Abstract

We have been interested in various 5,6-dihydrouracils and 5,6-dihydroorotic acid derivatives as possible inhibitors of dihydrouracil dehydrogenase, dihydroorotase, and dihydroorotate dehydrogenase.² The known methods for the synthesis of 5,6-dihydrouracils and 5,6-dihydroorotic acid derivatives are either a low yield cyclization process³ or a catalytic hydrogenation⁴ procedure which frequently led to the elimination of desired functionality⁵. In order to obviate these difficulties, we have recently developed⁶ a mild non-catalytic method for the reduction of 5,6-double bond of uracil and orotic acid derivatives. By using lithium tri-sec-butyl borohydride^7–8 we have been able to reduce N₁, N₃-dialkyl uracil and orotic acid derivatives to the corresponding 5,6-dihydrouracil and orotic acid derivatives as shown in scheme (1).