Chemo- and Regioselective Functionalization of Uracil Derivatives. Applications to the Synthesis of Oxypurinol and Emivirine

[reaction: see text] A novel route for the synthesis of 4,5-difunctionalized uracils using a chemo- and regioselective bromine/magnesium exchange reaction on 5-bromo-4-halogeno-2,6-dimethoxypyrimidines has been developed. Applications to the synthesis of pharmaceuticals such as oxypurinol and emivirine are reported.