Synthesis of Glycoluril using Urea Phosphate

Glycolurils are building blocks for the synthesis of cucurbiturils that are important host materials for several applications. Glycolurils are prepared conveniently by the condensation of 1,2-diketones with urea using an acid as catalyst. Herein, we report a facile method of synthesis of various glycolurils using urea phosphate and 1,2-diketones.