Iodine-catalyzed oxidative functionalization of purines with (thio)ethers or methylarenes for the synthesis of purin-8-one analogues

Abstract

An efficient oxidative functionalization of purine-like substrates with (thio)ethers or methylarenes under mild conditions is described. Using I₂ as the catalyst, and TBHP as the oxidant, this protocol provides a valuable synthetic tool for the assembly of a wide range of 9-alkyl(benzyl)purin-8-one derivatives with high atom- and step-economy and exceptional functional group tolerance.