Pterins. X. A New Preparation of 6-Hydroxymethylpterin from 6-Methylpterin

Abstract

6-Hydroxymethylpterin was prepared in c. 80% overall yield via 2- acetamido-6-methylpteridin-4(3H)-one, oxidation with lead tetraacetate to 2-acetamido-6-acetoxymethylpteridin-4(3H)-one and hydrolysis. The 2-acetamido-6-methylpterin was prepared isomerically pure by acetylation of a mixture of 6- and 7-methylpterin prepared by condensation of 2,5,6-triaminopyrimidin-4(3H)-one with methylglyoxal at 0-5°. Under these conditions the ratio of 6-methyl- to 7-methylpterin is considerably improved (9 : 1).