Catalytic synthesis of xanthines was achieved in the presence of a copper catalyst.
The process involves copper-catalyzed intramolecular C–H amination of benzamidines
that possess a uracil moiety and produces variously substituted xanthines generally
in good to high yields. This work introduces a new, facile approach to polysubstituted
xanthine compounds.
Key words
copper - catalysis - C–H functionalization - amination - cyclization - xanthines