An Improved Synthesis of 9-Deazaguanine.

ABSTRACT A new, improved synthesis of 9-deazaguanine is described. The method involves use of the benzyloxymethyl group to protect the N 3-position of 2-[(dimethylaminomethylene)- amino]-6-methyl-5-nitro-4(3H)-pyrimidinone, followed by treatment with DMF-dimethylacetal, reductive cyclization, treatment with ethanolic ammonia and removal of the protecting group by catalytic hydrogenation.