Electrophilic Activation of Amides for the Preparation of Poly­substituted Pyrimidines

^◊ These authors contributed equally.

Published as part of the 50 Years SYNTHESIS – Golden Anniversary Issue

Key words

pyrimidines - amide activation - hydride shift - pyridines

Heteroaromatics occupy a prominent role in organic chemistry.[1] Among them, the pyrimidine core is present in several natural products, pharmaceuticals and functional materials.[2] For these reasons, numerous methods have been developed throughout the years to prepare these motifs (Scheme [1]). The most popular method for the synthesis of pyrimidines remains the condensation of amidines with carbonyls (Scheme [1, a]).[2a] [3]

Scheme 1 Classical formation of pyrimidines and our approach

Another approach which has gained traction in recent years is the metal-catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition between an alkyne and two nitriles (Scheme [1, b]).[4] Recently, our group reported a metal-free version of this reaction using ynamides and relying on triflic acid for the activation of the C≡C bond.[5] Movassaghi and co-workers developed a straightforward synthesis of pyrimidines by electrophilic activation of a secondary enamide with triflic anhydride (Scheme [1, c]).[6] In that elegant report, the requirement for an electron-rich alkene in the form of the enamide partner somewhat limits the scope of the reaction. We herein propose an approach consisting of a three-component reaction that merges one alkyne and two secondary amides under an electrophilic activation regime (Scheme [1, d]).

We started our investigation of this transformation by employing N-cyclopentylbenzamide (1a), 2-iodopyridine as a base and prop-1-yn-1-ylbenzene as alkyne partner (Table [1]).

Already on our first trial (Table [1], entry 1) using 3 equivalents of amide, base and triflic anhydride, the expected pyrimidine 2a was obtained in 60% NMR yield. Other halogenated bases were screened, such as 2-fluoropyridine and 2-chloropyridine (Table [1], entries 2 and 3), resulting in an increase to 77% and 81% yield, respectively. During these experiments, we became aware of the non-negligible effect of the quenching method employed. In the event, we found that stirring for 1 hour at room temperature with a saturated aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate increased the yield (Table [1], entry 4), up to 88% with 2-iodopyridine. Further variation of the base (Table [1], entry 5) or the loading of activated amide (Table [1], entry 6) led only to lower yields. Finally, we decided to modify the N-amide substituent and investigated N-isopropyl- and N-propylbenzamide. Both were less effective than 1a (yielding 57% and 0%, respectively; cf. Table [1], entries 7 and 8).

Table 1 Optimization of the Reaction^a

Entry	R	Amide	2-X-Pyr	Tf2O	Comment	NMR yieldb
1	1a	3 equiv	2-I-Pyr (3 equiv)	3 equiv	–	60%
2		3 equiv	2-F-Pyr (3 equiv)	3 equiv	–	77%
3		3 equiv	2-Cl-Pyr (3 equiv)	3 equiv	–	81%
4		3 equiv	2-I-Pyr (3 equiv)	3 equiv	quench 1 h, NaHCO3	88% (83%c)
5		3 equiv	2-Cl-Pyr (3 equiv)	3 equiv	quench 1 h, NaHCO3	79%
6		2.5 equiv	2-I-Pyr (2.5 equiv)	2.5 equiv	quench 1 h, NaHCO3	69%
7		3 equiv	2-I-Pyr (3 equiv)	3 equiv	quench 1 h, NaHCO3	57%
8		3 equiv	2-I-Pyr (3 equiv)	3 equiv	quench 1 h, NaHCO3	0%

^a Reaction conditions: amide, 2-halopyridine, 1,2-dichloroethane (3 mL), 0 °C; addition of Tf₂O, after 15 min, addition of alkyne (0.2 mmol, 1 equiv); 90 °C, 18 h.

^b NMR yield calculated using 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene as internal standard.

^c Isolated yield.

Triflic anhydride is well-known to chemoselectively activate tertiary and secondary amides.[7] [8] We propose the following mechanism to explain the observed reactivity (Scheme [2]). The secondary amide 1 is activated as nitrilium ion RI-1, reversibly stabilized by 2-iodopyridine (cf. RI-2).[7b] [9] This pivotal nitrilium species can evolve either to the nitrile 3 by loss of cyclopentyl carbocation (presumably favoured by high temperatures), or undergo addition of the alkyne reactant to generate the vinyl cation RI-3. The latter is stabilized by the vicinal aryl group, accounting for the regioselectivity observed in this process. Interception of RI-3 by nitrile 3 (cf. RI-4) sets the stage for cyclization to the pyrimidinium ion RI-5. A second elimination of cyclopentyl carbocation finally accounts for the formation of the pyrimidine product.[10]

Scheme 2 Mechanistic proposal for the pyrimidine synthesis reported herein

With optimized conditions in hand and the aforementioned mechanistic understanding, we investigated the scope of this reaction (Scheme [3]). We started by varying the alkyne partner, keeping N-cyclopentylbenzamide (1a) as the amide reactant. The pyrimidine 2a prepared during optimization could be isolated in a very good 83% yield. Alkyne substitution with an ethyl (2b) or phenyl (2c) residue did not affect the reaction. Terminal alkynes are also tolerated (2d). Chlorination of the alkyne’s aromatic moiety yielded the pyrimidines 2e and 2f efficiently, and the fluorinated pyrimidine 2g was accessible by this method in moderate yield.

Scheme 3Scope of the alkyne. Reagents and conditions: amide (0.6 mmol, 3 equiv), 2-iodopyridine (3 equiv), 1,2-dichloroethane (3 mL), 0 °C; addition of Tf₂O (3 equiv), after 15 min, addition of alkyne (1 equiv); 90 °C, 18 h. Quench: saturated NaHCO₃ solution, stirring, 1 h, r.t.

Scheme 4 Scope of the amide. Reagents and conditions: amide (0.6 mmol, 3 equiv), 2-iodopyridine (3 equiv), 1,2-dichloroethane (3 mL), 0 °C; addition of Tf₂O (3 equiv), after 15 min, addition of alkyne (1 equiv); 90 °C, 18 h. Quench: saturated NaHCO₃ solution, stirring, 1 h, r.t.

For the investigation of the amide scope, prop-1-yn-1-ylbenzene was retained as the alkyne partner (Scheme [4]). The arylamide can be substituted ortho or meta (2h and 2i), and the presence of halogens on the aromatic ring is also well-tolerated (2j), including fluorine (2k, 90% yield). A benzamide is not a prerequisite for successful reaction and it was possible to prepare pyrimidine 2m starting from a tert-butyl amide. Alkenyl amides and benzamides carrying electron-withdrawing substituents led to lower yields, presumably due to less efficient electrophilic activation (2n, 2o).

In the course of this study, we noticed that no pyrimidine was formed when particularly electron-rich alkynes were employed. Instead, as depicted in Scheme [5, a] pyridine derivative was isolated. Indeed, from 1-ethynyl-4-methoxybenzene, pyridine 3a was obtained in a moderate 45% yield. A propargylsilane similarly led to a (desilylated) pyridine (3b). Such cycloannulated pyridines can be found in agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals,[11] and are commonly prepared by condensation reactions, in particular the Friedländer annulation.[12]

Scheme 5 Unexpected formation of a pyridine core

This unexpected reactivity is rationalized by invoking a 1,5-hydride shift on the intermediate RI-3 to form the carbocation RI-6/azoniaallene RI-6′. Deprotonation thereof yields the imine RI-7 poised for a 6π-electrocyclization step towards the dihydropyridine 4.[13] We presume that 4 undergoes disproportionation[14] to tetrahydropyridine (also detected by HRMS) and pyridine 3, the latter being the only product that can be isolated from the reaction mixture. It is tempting to presume that the aforementioned (cf. Scheme [2]) nitrile capture of RI-3 dominates for ‘less-stabilized’ versions of this intermediate, whereas the intramolecular hydride-transfer pathway is favoured by increased stabilization (and thus increased lifetime in solution) of RI-3.

In conclusion, we have developed a new and efficient access to pyrimidines by formal cycloaddition of 2 equivalents of an appropriately substituted amide and an alkyne. We believe this work is complementary to other methods for the preparation of pyrimidines and benefits from the ready availability of both starting materials. Furthermore, an unusual pathway towards pyridines was uncovered, presumably relying on an internal hydride transfer.

All glassware was flame-dried before use and all reactions were performed under an atmosphere of argon. All solvents were distilled from appropriate drying agents prior to use. Triflic anhydride (Tf₂O) was distilled over P₄O₁₀ prior to use. All other reagents were used as received from commercial suppliers unless otherwise stated. Reaction progress was monitored by TLC performed on aluminum plates coated with silica gel F₂₅₄ with 0.2 mm thickness. Chromatograms were visualized by fluorescence quenching with UV light at 254 nm or by staining using potassium permanganate. Flash column chromatography was performed using silica gel 60 (230–400 mesh, Merck and Co.). Neat IR spectra were recorded using a Perkin-Elmer Spectrum 100 FT-IR spectrometer. Wavenumbers are reported in cm^–1. Mass spectra were obtained using a Finnigan MAT 8200 (70 eV) or an Agilent 5973 (70 eV) spectrometer, using electrospray ionization (ESI). All ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and ¹⁹F NMR spectra were recorded using a Bruker AV-400, AV-600 or AV-700 spectrometer at 300 K. Chemical shifts are given in parts per million (ppm, δ), referenced to the solvent peak of CDCl₃, defined at δ = 7.26 ppm (¹H NMR) and δ = 77.16 ppm (¹³C NMR). Coupling constants (J) are quoted in Hz. ¹H NMR splitting patterns are designated as singlet (s), doublet (d), triplet (t), quartet (q), pentet (p). Splitting patterns that could not be interpreted or easily visualized are designated as multiplet (m) or broad (br). Selected ¹³C NMR spectra were recorded using the attached proton test (APT) to facilitate the confirmation and assignment of the structure.

Synthesis of Amides

General Procedure A

To a solution of the amine (1.00 equiv) and Et₃N (2.00 equiv) in DCM (0.1 M) at 0 °C, the corresponding acyl chloride (1.20 equiv) was added dropwise and the resulting reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature while stirring overnight (14 h). After this time, saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution was added and the biphasic system was separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with DCM (1 ×) and the organic phases were combined and dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄. The dried solution was filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting crude material was purified by flash column chromatography on silica gel (heptane/EtOAc) to afford the desired compound.

Procedure B

To a solution of the amine (1.00 equiv), Et₃N (1.00 equiv), hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt, 1.00 equiv) and 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDCI·HCl, 1.00 equiv) in DCM (0.1 M), the corresponding carboxylic acid was added and the resulting solution was stirred at room temperature overnight (14 h). After this time, the organic solution was extracted sequentially with 1 M aqueous HCl, saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution and saturated aqueous NaCl solution. The washed solution was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting crude material was purified by flash column chromatography on silica gel (heptane/EtOAc) to afford the desired compound.

Procedure C

To a solution of the carboxylic acid (1.00 equiv) and DMF (1 drop) in DCM (0.1 M) was added dropwise thionyl chloride (2.00 equiv) at room temperature. The resulting solution was stirred at room temperature overnight (14 h). After this time, the thionyl chloride and solvent were removed under reduced pressure to afford the acyl chloride. To a solution of the amine (1.00 equiv) and Et₃N (1.50 equiv) in DCM (0.1 M) at 0 °C, the corresponding acyl chloride (1.00 equiv) was added dropwise and the resulting reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature while stirring overnight (14 h). After this time, saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution was added and the biphasic system was separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with DCM (1 ×) and the organic phases were combined and dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄. The dried solution was filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting crude material was purified by flash column chromatography on silica gel (heptane/EtOAc) to afford the desired compound.

N-Cyclopentylbenzamide (1a)

General Procedure A; 97% yield. All analytical data were in good accordance with reported data.[15]

N-Isopropylbenzamide

General Procedure A; quant. All analytical data were in good accordance with reported data.[16]

N-Propylbenzamide

General Procedure A; quant. All analytical data were in good accordance with reported data.[17]

N-Cyclopentyl-2-methylbenzamide (1h)

General Procedure A; quant. All analytical data were in good accordance with reported data.[18]

N-Cyclopentyl-3-methylbenzamide (1i)

General Procedure A; 95% yield. All analytical data were in good accordance with reported data.[19]

2-Bromo-N-cyclopentylbenzamide (1j)

General Procedure A; light-yellow solid, quant.; mp 96–98 °C.

IR (neat): 3244, 3066, 2952, 2866, 1628, 1593, 1541, 1468, 1430, 1360, 1320, 1277, 1259, 1187, 1044, 1027, 754, 729, 694 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.56 (dd, J = 8.0, 1.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.52 (dd, J = 7.6, 1.7 Hz, 1 H), 7.34 (td, J = 7.5, 1.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.26–7.22 (m, 1 H), 5.93 (br s, 1 H), 4.46–4.37 (m, 1 H), 2.10–2.03 (m, 2 H), 1.75–1.63 (m, 4 H), 1.58–1.52 (m, 2 H).

¹³C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 167.2, 138.2, 133.4, 131.2, 129.8, 127.7, 119.4, 52.0, 33.1, 23.9.

HRMS (ESI+): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₁₂H₁₅BrNO: 268.0332; found: 268.0336.

N-Cyclopentyl-4-fluorobenzamide (1k)

[CAS Reg. No. 300829-28-1]

General Procedure A; light-yellow solid, 96% yield; mp 133–135 °C.

IR (neat): 3277, 3077, 2957, 2870, 1628, 1602, 1543, 1501, 1364, 1324, 1289, 1160, 1099, 1015, 850, 768 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (700 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.78–7.71 (m, 2 H), 7.12–7.04 (m, 2 H), 6.02 (s, 1 H), 4.42–4.33 (m, 1 H), 2.13–2.05 (m, 2 H), 1.75–1.62 (m, 4 H), 1.53–1.44 (m, 2 H).

¹³C NMR (176 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 165.8 (d, J = 140.4 Hz), 164.0, 131.2 (d, J = 2.6 Hz), 129.3 (d, J = 8.9 Hz), 115.6 (d, J = 21.9 Hz), 51.9, 33.4, 23.9.

HRMS (ESI+): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₁₂H₁₄FNNaO: 230.0952; found: 230.0956.

N-Cyclopentyl-4-methoxybenzamide (1l)

General Procedure A; 90% yield. All analytical data were in good accordance with reported data.[20]

N-Cyclopentylpivalamide (1m)

General Procedure A; 92% yield. All analytical data were in good accordance with reported data.[21]

N-Cyclopentylcinnamamide (1n)

Procedure B; 84% yield. All analytical data were in good accordance with reported data.[22]

Methyl 4-(Cyclopentylcarbamoyl)benzoate (1o)

[CAS Reg. No. 1325090-17-2]

Procedure C; light-yellow solid, 85% yield; 172–174 °C.

IR (neat): 3297, 2957, 2870, 1719, 1632, 1541, 1435, 1280, 1108, 869, 749 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 8.09–8.06 (m, 2 H), 7.82–7.77 (m, 2 H), 6.09 (d, J = 5.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.44–4.38 (m, 1 H), 3.94 (s, 3 H), 2.15–2.07 (m, 2 H), 1.78–1.63 (m, 4 H), 1.54–1.46 (m, 2 H).

¹³C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 166.5, 166.4, 139.0, 132.7, 130.0, 127.1, 52.5, 52.0, 33.4, 24.0.

HRMS (ESI+): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₁₄H₁₇NNaO₃: 270.1101; found: 270.1104.

Synthesis of Pyrimidines 2a–o; General Procedure

All reactions were run on a 0.2 mmol scale.

To a solution of amide (0.6 mmol, 3 equiv) and 2-iodopyridine (2-I-Pyr, 3 equiv) in 1,2-dichloroethane (3 mL), Tf₂O (3 equiv) was added at 0 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred for 15 min at 0 °C. The alkyne (1 equiv) was then added and the reaction mixture was stirred at 90 °C for 18 h. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction was quenched with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution (3 mL) and the mixture was stirred for 1 h. Then, the aqueous layer was extracted with DCM. The combined organic layers were dried over MgSO₄ and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The crude residue was purified by flash column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: heptane).

5-Methyl-2,4,6-triphenylpyrimidine (2a)

Yield: 83%.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 8.62–8.57 (m, 2 H), 7.79–7.73 (m, 4 H), 7.58–7.45 (m, 9 H), 2.40 (s, 3 H).

¹³C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 167.1, 161.6, 139.4, 138.1, 130.4, 129.5, 129.2, 128.5, 128.42, 128.35, 123.3, 17.9.

HRMS (ESI+): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₂₃H₁₉N₂: 323.1543; found: 323.1539.

All analytical data were in good accordance with reported data.[23]

5-Ethyl-2,4,6-triphenylpyrimidine (2b)

Yield: 72%.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 8.59–8.40 (m, 2 H), 7.67–7.62 (m, 4 H), 7.55–7.48 (m, 6 H), 7.48–7.41 (m, 3 H), 2.84 (q, J = 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 0.80 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 3 H).

¹³C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 167.3, 161.4, 139.8, 138.0, 130.4, 129.9, 128.90, 128.88, 128.5, 128.4, 21.8, 14.6.

HRMS (ESI+): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₂₄H₂₁N₂: 337.1699; found: 337.1694.

All analytical data were in good accordance with reported data.[24]

2,4,5,6-Tetraphenylpyrimidine (2c)

Yield: 71%.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 8.68–8.62 (m, 2 H), 7.54–7.47 (m, 3 H), 7.45–7.38 (m, 4 H), 7.32–7.27 (m, 3 H), 7.26–7.21 (m, 3 H), 7.20–7.13 (m, 3 H), 7.03–6.97 (m, 2 H).

¹³C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 165.5, 163.0, 139.0, 137.9, 136.8, 131.3, 130.7, 130.1, 129.2, 128.8, 128.6, 128.6, 128.4, 127.9, 127.4.

HRMS (ESI+): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₂₈H₂₀N₂Na: 407.1519; found: 407.1509.

All analytical data were in good accordance with reported data.[25]

2,4,6-Triphenylpyrimidine (2d)

Yield: 41%.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 8.79–8.68 (m, 2 H), 8.38–8.24 (m, 4 H), 8.03 (s, 1 H), 7.64–7.47 (m, 9 H).

¹³C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 165.0, 164.7, 138.3, 137.8, 130.9, 130.8, 129.1, 128.64, 128.60, 127.5, 110.5.

HRMS (ESI+): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₂₂H₁₇N₂: 309.1386; found: 309.1386.

All analytical data were in good accordance with reported data.[23]

4-(2-Chlorophenyl)-5-methyl-2,6-diphenylpyrimidine (2e)

Yellow solid, 58% yield; mp 156–159 °C.

IR (neat): 3059, 2959, 2926, 2862, 1596, 1534, 1393, 1194, 1095, 1069, 1040, 1028, 984 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 8.54 (dd, J = 6.7, 2.9 Hz, 2 H), 7.81–7.74 (m, 2 H), 7.57–7.38 (m, 10 H), 2.22 (s, 3 H).

¹³C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 166.4, 166.0, 161.8, 139.1, 138.6, 137.9, 132.6, 130.4, 130.1, 129.9, 129.5, 129.3, 128.5, 128.4, 127.2, 124.8, 16.3.

HRMS (ESI+): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₂₃H₁₇ClN₂Na: 379.0972; found: 379.0970.

4-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-methyl-2,6-diphenylpyrimidine (2f)

Yellow solid, 59% yield; mp 148–149 °C.

IR (neat): 3061, 2962, 2926, 1597, 1572, 1533, 1489, 1445, 1391, 1090, 1005 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 8.64–8.51 (m, 2 H), 7.81–7.67 (m, 4 H), 7.58–7.42 (m, 8 H), 2.39 (s, 3 H).

¹³C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 167.3, 165.8, 161.7, 139.2, 137.9, 137.8, 135.5, 131.0, 130.5, 129.5, 129.3, 128.7, 128.5, 128.4, 128.3, 123.2, 17.8.

HRMS (ESI+): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₂₃H₁₇ClN₂Na: 379.0972; found: 379.0964.

4-(4-Fluoro-2-methylphenyl)-2,6-diphenylpyrimidine (2g)

Light-yellow solid, 57% yield; mp 119–120 °C.

IR (neat): 3063, 3038, 2930, 1590, 1569, 1529, 1497, 1361, 1248, 1179, 1117, 1027 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 8.74–8.67 (m, 2 H), 8.31–8.26 (m, 2 H), 8.14 (dd, J = 7.3, 1.5 Hz, 1 H), 8.11–8.07 (m, 1 H), 7.94 (s, 1 H), 7.61–7.49 (m, 6 H), 7.18 (t, J = 8.8 Hz, 1 H), 2.43 (s, 3 H).

¹³C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 164.6, 164.4 (d, J = 127.2 Hz), 164.2, 162.5, 138.2, 137.6, 133.4 (d, J = 3.4 Hz), 130.9, 130.8, 130.7 (d, J = 5.8 Hz), 129.0, 128.6, 127.4, 126.7 (d, J = 8.7 Hz), 125.6 (d, J = 17.7 Hz), 115.7 (d, J = 22.8 Hz), 110.0, 14.9 (d, J = 3.4 Hz).

¹⁹F NMR (659 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = –114.0.

HRMS (ESI+): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₂₃H₁₈FN₂: 341.1449; found: 341.1446.

5-Methyl-4-phenyl-2,6-di-o-tolylpyrimidine (2h)

Yellow solid, 64% yield; mp 149–152 °C.

IR (neat): 3059, 3022, 2956, 2921, 2855, 1602, 1529, 1487, 1391, 1379, 1002, 875, 772, 762, 732, 704 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 8.30 (dd, J = 4.5, 1.7 Hz, 1 H), 7.81 (dd, J = 7.6, 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.67–7.60 (m, 3 H), 7.46–7.37 (m, 3 H), 7.28–7.15 (m, 5 H), 2.53 (s, 3 H), 2.18 (s, 3 H), 2.10 (s, 3 H).

¹³C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 168.5, 166.1, 164.6, 150.9, 139.1, 139.0, 138.6, 137.7, 137.3, 135.3, 135.2, 131.2, 130.7, 130.6, 129.4, 129.2, 129.1, 128.7, 128.4, 126.0, 125.9, 123.6, 123.1, 21.5, 19.8, 16.4.

HRMS (ESI+): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₂₅H₂₂N₂Na: 373.1675; found: 373.1673.

5-Methyl-4-phenyl-2,6-di-m-tolylpyrimidine (2i)

Yellow solid, 70% yield; mp 115–118 °C.

IR (neat): 3062, 3029, 2957, 2924, 2857, 2734, 1529, 1389, 1376, 1010, 787, 765, 695 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 8.30–8.25 (m, 2 H), 7.68–7.61 (m, 2 H), 7.47–7.34 (m, 5 H), 7.33–7.12 (m, 4 H), 2.37 (s, 3 H), 2.34 (s, 3 H), 2.27 (s, 3 H).

¹³C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 167.3, 166.9, 161.8, 139.5, 139.4, 138.1, 138.0, 131.1, 130.0, 129.9, 129.5, 129.2, 128.8, 128.4, 128.3, 126.5, 125.6, 123.2, 21.6, 17.8, 17.8.

HRMS (ESI+): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₂₅H₂₂N₂Na: 373.1675; found: 373.1671.

2,4-Bis(2-bromophenyl)-5-methyl-6-phenylpyrimidine (2j)

Yellow solid, 59% yield; ; mp 141–143 °C.

IR (neat): 3055, 2926, 2857, 2226, 1557, 1534, 1391, 906, 755, 726, 699 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.78–7.22 (m, 13 H), 2.23 (s, 3 H).

¹³C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 167.1, 166.3, 163.3, 139.9, 139.8, 138.3, 133.6, 132.9, 131.7, 130.2, 130.2, 130.0, 129.4, 129.3, 128.4, 127.8, 127.4, 124.9, 122.0, 121.9, 16.3.

HRMS (ESI+): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₂₃H₁₇Br₂N₂: 478.9753; found: 478.9752.

2,4-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-5-methyl-6-phenylpyrimidine (2k)

Yellow solid, 90% yield; mp 148–150 °C.

IR (neat): 3057, 3025, 2928, 2861, 1713, 1601, 1532, 1507, 1392, 1379, 1222, 1149, 1006, 842, 808, 772, 734, 697 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 8.59–8.54 (m, 2 H), 7.78–7.71 (m, 4 H), 7.56–7.49 (m, 3 H), 7.22 (t, J = 8.7 Hz, 2 H), 7.14 (t, J = 8.7 Hz, 2 H), 2.39 (s, 3 H).

¹³C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 167.3, 166.0, 164.9 (d, J = 176.7 Hz), 163.2 (d, J = 176.4 Hz), 160.7, 139.1, 135.3 (d, J = 3.3 Hz), 134.1 (d, J = 2.8 Hz), 131.5 (d, J = 8.4 Hz), 130.4 (d, J = 8.5 Hz), 129.4, 129.4, 128.5, 123.1, 115.5 (d, J = 11.1 Hz), 115.4 (d, J = 11.0 Hz), 17.9.

¹⁹F NMR (565 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = –111.1 (tt, J = 8.4, 5.6 Hz), –111.8 (tt, J = 8.6, 5.5 Hz).

HRMS (ESI+): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₂₃H₁₆F₂N₂Na: 381.1174; found: 381.1168.

2,4-Bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyl-6-phenylpyrimidine (2l)

Yellow solid, 70% yield; mp 182–185 °C.

IR (neat): 3068, 3054, 3004, 2993, 2959, 2834, 1607, 1583, 1529, 1507, 1392, 1377, 1246, 1163, 1030, 834, 806, 776, 712 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 8.56 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 2 H), 7.78–7.73 (m, 4 H), 7.55–7.51 (m, 2 H), 7.50–7.47 (m, 1 H), 7.06 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2 H), 7.00 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 2 H), 3.89 (s, 3 H), 3.87 (s, 3 H), 2.40 (s, 3 H).

¹³C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 166.9, 166.3, 161.5, 161.2, 160.5, 139.6, 131.8, 131.1, 130.9, 129.8, 129.5, 129.1, 128.3, 122.1, 113.7, 55.5, 55.4, 18.0.

HRMS (ESI+): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₂₅H₂₂N₂NaO₂: 405.1570; found: 405.1573.

2,4-Di-tert-butyl-5-methyl-6-phenylpyrimidine (2m)

Yellow solid, 78% yield; mp 43–46 °C.

IR (neat): 2956, 2925, 2868, 1535, 1495, 1479, 1458, 1400, 1376, 1276, 1261, 1243, 1004, 915, 765, 750, 700 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.57–7.50 (m, 2 H), 7.49–7.38 (m, 3 H), 2.39 (s, 3 H), 1.50 (s, 9 H), 1.43 (s, 9 H).

¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 173.6, 172.3, 166.6, 140.6, 129.5, 128.4, 128.2, 121.7, 40.0, 39.3, 29.9, 29.8, 17.8.

HRMS (ESI+): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₁₉H₂₇N₂: 283.2169; found: 283.2172.

5-Methyl-4-phenyl-2,6-di((E)-styryl)pyrimidine (2n)

Yellow solid, 27% yield; mp 193–196 °C.

IR (neat): 3081, 3059, 3024, 2923, 1629, 1575, 1521, 1494, 1447, 1394, 1375, 1296, 1191, 1174, 1114, 1041, 1025, 966, 764, 742 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (700 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 8.21 (d, J = 15.5 Hz, 1 H), 8.10 (d, J = 16.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.71 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 2 H), 7.68 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 2 H), 7.63–7.61 (m, 2 H), 7.54–7.51 (m, 2 H), 7.50–7.47 (m, 1 H), 7.46–7.32 (m, 8 H), 2.42 (s, 3 H).

¹³C NMR (176 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 166.8, 161.5, 161.1, 139.2, 137.9, 136.9, 136.6, 136.5, 129.3, 129.2, 129.0, 128.9, 128.8, 128.8, 128.5, 128.3, 127.9, 127.7, 122.9, 122.3, 15.2.

HRMS (ESI+): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₂₇H₂₂N₂Na: 397.1675; found: 397.1679.

Dimethyl 4,4′-(5-Methyl-6-phenylpyrimidine-2,4-diyl)dibenzoate (2o)

White solid, 21% yield; mp 188–190 °C.

IR (neat): 3084, 3059, 3027, 2949, 2843, 1719, 1527, 1434, 1388, 1274, 1191, 1112, 1098, 1004, 859, 761 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 8.65–8.59 (m, 2 H), 8.24–8.19 (m, 2 H), 8.16–8.11 (m, 2 H), 7.84–7.79 (m, 2 H), 7.77–7.71 (m, 2 H), 7.57–7.50 (m, 3 H), 3.98 (s, 3 H), 3.95 (s, 3 H), 2.39 (s, 3 H).

¹³C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 167.6, 167.1, 166.8, 166.3, 160.8, 143.4, 141.9, 138.9, 131.7, 130.9, 129.8, 129.8, 129.5, 129.4, 128.6, 128.3, 124.2, 52.5, 52.3, 17.8.

HRMS (ESI+): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₂₇H₂₂N₂NaO₄: 461.1472; found: 461.1466.

Synthesis of Pyridines 3a and 3b

All reactions were run on a 0.2 mmol scale, using the same general procedure as for the synthesis of pyrimidines 2a–o.

4-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-phenyl-6,7-dihydro-5H-cyclopenta[b]pyridine (3a)

Light-yellow solid, 45% yield.

IR (neat): 3060, 3036, 2952, 2836, 1608, 1590, 1556, 1513, 1458, 1440, 1371, 1250, 1177, 1132 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 8.00–7.97 (m, 2 H), 7.51–7.44 (m, 5 H), 7.42–7.34 (m, 1 H), 7.04–6.99 (m, 2 H), 3.88 (s, 3 H), 3.15 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2 H), 3.07 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 2 H), 2.16 (p, J = 7.5 Hz, 2 H).

¹³C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 166.8, 159.9, 156.6, 145.6, 140.2, 133.0, 131.5, 129.6, 128.8, 128.5, 127.1, 118.0, 114.2, 55.5, 35.0, 31.0, 23.7.

HRMS (ESI+): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₂₁H₂₀NO: 302.1539; found: 302.1542.

4-Methyl-2-phenyl-6,7-dihydro-5H-cyclopenta[b]pyridine (3b)

Light-yellow solid, 63% yield.

IR (neat): 3057, 2946, 2841, 1595, 1577, 1457, 1437, 1424, 1377, 1228, 1076, 1028, 864 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.94–7.92 (m, 2 H), 7.46–7.42 (m, 2 H), 7.38–7.34 (m, 1 H), 7.29 (s, 1 H), 3.09 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 2 H), 2.90 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2 H), 2.31 (s, 3 H), 2.20–2.11 (m, 2 H).

¹³C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 165.4, 156.3, 143.4, 140.3, 134.9, 128.7, 128.4, 127.1, 119.6, 34.7, 29.1, 22.7, 19.2.

HRMS (ESI+): m/z [M + H]⁺ calcd for C₁₅H₁₆N: 210.1277; found: 210.1278.

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