Title of Invention

METHOD FOR PRODUCTION OF 1-ALKYL-3-PHENYLURACILS

Abstract The present invention relates to a process for preparing 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracils of the formula I where the variables R1 to R7 are as defined in the description by reacting 3-phenyluracils of the formula II and alkylating agents of the formula III with one another, wherein during the entire reaction the pH is kept in a range from 1 to 6 by adding base a little at a time.
Full Text Description
The present invention relates to a process for preparing 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracils of the
formula I
where the variables are as defined below:
R1 is C1-C6-alkyl;
R2 and R3 independently of one another are
hydrogen, C1-C6-alkyl or C1-C6-haloalkyl;
R4 and R5 independently of one another are
hydrogen, halogen, cyano, C1-C6-alkyl or C1-C6-haloalkyi;
R6 and R7 independently of one another are
hydrogen, C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C6-alkoxy, C3-C6-alkenyI, C3-C6-alkynyl, C3-C6-
cycloalkyl, C3-C6-cycloalkenyl, phenyl or benzyl;
by reacting 3-phenyluracils of the formula II
where the variables R2 to R7 are as defined above
and alkylating agents of the formula III
R1-L1 IN,
where R1 is as defined above, and
L1 is halogen, hydrogensulfate, C1-C6-alkyl sulfate, C1-C6-alkyl carbonate, C1-C6-

alkylsulfonyloxy, C1-C6-haloalkylsulfonyloxy or phenylsulfonyloxy,
where the phenyl ring may carry one or more substituents from the group
consisting of halogen, nitro, C1-C6-alkyl and C1-C6-haloalkyl;
wherein during the entire reaction the pH is kept in a range from 1 to 6 by adding base
a little at a time.
1-Alkyl-3-phenyluracils of the general formula I are known in principle from
WO 01/83459. They can be prepared as taught in WO 01/83459.
N-alkylations at the free uracil nitrogen atom by reacting a uracil compound with an
alkylating agent are described, for example, in US 4,943,309.
Furthermore, the preparation of 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracils having a sulfamide side-chain is
described in PCT/EP/04/013615.
However, these procedures have the disadvantage that, owing to the fact that the
sulfamide side chain can be alkylated easily, side reactions such as, for example,
alkylation at the sulfonamide nitrogen atom or formation of dialkylated products occur.
Correspondingly, it is already known to alkylate sulfuric acid diamides in a simple
manner using sulfuric acid diesters or arenesulfonic acid esters in the presence of a
base (for example R. Sowada, J. Prakt. Chem. 25, 88,1964).
Furthermore, for trisubstituted sulfuric acid diamides, the formation of tetrasubstituted
sulfuric acid diamides is known (for example B. Unterhalt, E. Seebach, Arch. Pharm.
314,51,1981).
It is also possible to alkylate sulfuric acid diamides where the amide function already
carries an acyl radical (for example K. C. C. Bancroft et al., J. Heterocycl. Chem. 15,
1521, 1978; A. Martinez et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 9, 21, 3133, 1999).
Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a simple and economical
process for preparing 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracils of the formula I which suppresses
unwanted side reactions, such as, for example, the formation of diaikylated side
products, and which, at the same time, allows high yields and a product of value of high
purity to be obtained.
Surprisingly, it has been found that this object is achieved by a process where

3-phenyluracils of the formula II

where the variables R2 to R7 are as defined above
and alkylating agents of the formula III
R1-L1 III,
where R1 is as defined above and
L1 is a nucleophilically displaceable leaving group
are reacted with one another,
wherein during the entire reaction the pH is kept in a range from 1 to 6 by adding base
a little at a time.
Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for preparing 1-alkyl-3-
phenyluracils of the formula I which comprises the reaction of 3-phenyluracils of the
formula II and alkylating agents of the formula III, wherein during the entire reaction the
pH is kept in a range from 1 to 6 by adding base a little at a time.
The process according to the invention affords 1-alkyl-3-phenyiuracils of the formula I
in high yields and high purities.
This is surprising with a view to the fact that the 3-phenyluracil of the formula II
employed has, both at the uracil ring and in the side chain, a reactive NH group which
can be alkylated.
Thus, the person skilled in the art would expect a large number of side reactions, for
example the formation of corresponding N-alkylsulfonamides or mixtures of
N-alkylsulfonamides or N-alkyl-substituted uracils including the formation of oligomers
or polymers.
Depending on the substitution pattern, the 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracils of the formula I may
contain one or more centers of chirality, in which case they are present as enantiomers
or diastereomer mixtures. Thus, the invention provides a process for preparing both the
pure enantiomers or diastereomers and their mixtures.

The 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracils of the formula I may also be present in the form of their
agriculturally useful salts, the type of salt generally being immaterial. Sultable are, in
general, the salts of those cations or the acid addition salts of those acids whose
cations and anions, respectively, have no adverse effect on the herbicidal action of the
compounds I.
Sultable cations are in particular ions of the alkali metals, preferably lithium, sodium
and potassium, of the alkaline earth metals, preferably calcium and magnesium, and of
the transition metals, preferably manganese, copper, zinc and iron, and also
ammonium, where, if desired, one to four hydrogen atoms may be replaced by C1-C4-
alkyl, hydroxy-C1-C4alkyl, C1-C4alkoxy-C1-C4-alkyl, hydroxy-C1-C4alkoxy-C1-C4alkyl,
phenyl or benzyl, preferably ammonium, dimethylammonium, diisopropylammonium,
tetramethylammonium, tetrabutylammonium, 2-(2-hydroxyeth-1 -oxy)eth-1 -
ylammonium, di(2-hydroxyeth-1-yl)ammonium, trimethylbenzylammonium, furthermore
phosphonium ions, sulfonium ions, preferably tri(C1-C4-alkyI)sulfonium, and
sulfoxonium ions, preferably tri(C1-C4-alkyl)sulfoxonium.
Anions of useful acid addition salts are primarily chloride, bromide, fluoride, hydrogen
sulfate, sulfate, dihydrogenphosphate, hydrogenphosphate, nitrate,
hydrogencarbonate, carbonate, hexafluorosilicate, hexafluorophosphate, benzoate and
the anions of C1-C4-alkanoic acids, preferably formate, acetate, propionate and
butyrate.
The organic moieties mentioned for the substituents R1 - R7 or as radicals on phenyl
rings are collective terms for individual enumerations of the individual group members.
All hydrocarbon chains, i.e. all alky!, haloalkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl and alkynyl moieties, can
be straight chain or branched. Unless indicated otherwise, halogenated substituents
preferably carry one to five identical or different halogen atoms. Halogen means in
each case fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine.
Examples of other meanings are:
- C1-C4-alkyl: for example methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, 1-methylethyl, n-butyl,
1-methylpropyl, 2-methylpropyl and 1,1-dimethylethyl;
- C1-C6-alkyl: C1-C4-alkyl as mentioned above, and also, for example, n-pentyl,
1-methylbutyl, 2-methyIbutyl, 3-methylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl, 1-ethylpropyl,

n-hexyl, 1,1-dimethylpropyl, 1,2-dimethylpropyl, 1-methylpentyl, 2-methylpentyl,
3-methylpentyl, 4-methylpentyl, 1,1-dimethylbutyl, 1,2-dimethylbutyl,
1,3-dimethylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylbutyI, 2,3-dimethylbutyl, 3,3-dimethylbutyl,
1-ethylbutyl, 2-ethylbutyl, 1,1,2-trimethylpropyl, 1-ethyl-1-methylpropyl and 1-
ethyl-3-methylpropyl;
- C1-C4-haloalkyl: a C1-C4-alkyl radical as mentioned above which is partially or fully
substituted by fluorine, chlorine, bromine and/or iodine, i.e. for example,
chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl,
trifluoromethyl, chlorofluoromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, chlorodifluoromethyl,
2-fluoroethyl, 2-chloroethyl, 2-bromoethyl, 2-iodoethyl, 2,2-difluoroethyl,
2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 2-chloro-2-fluoroethyl, 2-chloro-2,2-difluoroethyl, 2,2-dichloro-2-
fluoroethyl, 2,2,2-trichloroethyl, pentafluoroethyl, 2-fluoropropyl, 3-fluoropropyl,
2,2-difluoropropyl, 2,3-difluoropropyl, 2-chloropropyl, 3-chloropropyl,
2,3-dichloropropyl, 2-bromopropyl, 3-bromopropyl, 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl,
3,3,3-trichloropropyl, 2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropyl, heptafluoropropyl,
1 -(fluoromethyl)-2-fluoroethyl, 1 -(chloromethyl)-2-chloroethyl, 1 -(bromomethyl)-2-
bromoethyl, 4-fluorobutyl, 4-chlorobutyl, 4-bromobutyl and nonafluorobutyl;
C1-C6-haloalkyl: C1-C4haloalkyl as mentioned above, and also, for example,
5-fluoropentyl, 5-chloropentyl, 5-bromopentyl, 5-iodopentyl, undecafluoropentyl,
6-fluorohexyl, 6-chlorohexyl, 6-bromohexyl, 6-iodohexyl and tridecafluorohexyl;
C3-C7-cycloalkyl: a monocyclic saturated hydrocarbon having 3 to 7 ring members,
such as, for example, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl or cycloheptyl;
C3-C7-cycloalkenyl: a monocyclic partially unsaturated hydrocarbon having 3 to 7
ring members, such as, for example, cycloprop-1-enyl, cycloprop-2-enyl,
cyclobut-1-enyl, cyclobut-2-enyl, cyclobut-1,3-dienyl, cyclopent-1-enyl, cyclopent-2-
enyl, cyclopent-3-enyl, cyclopent-2,4-dienyl, cyclohex-1-enyl, cyclohex-2-enyl,
cyclohex-3-enyl; cyclohex-1,3-dienyl, cyclohex-1,5-dienyl, cyclohex-2,4-dienyl or
cyclohex-2,5-dienyl;
C3-C6-alkenyl: for example 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, 1-methylethenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-
butenyl, 3-butenyl, 1-methyl-1-propenyl, 2-methyl-1-propenyl, 1-methyl-2-propenyl,
2-methyl-2-propenyl, 1-pentenyl, 2-pentenyl, 3-pentenyl, 4-pentenyl, 1-methyl-1-
butenyl, 2-methyl-1-butenyl, 3-methyl-1-butenyl, 1-methyl-2-butenyl, 2-methyl-2-
butenyl, 3-methyl-2-butenyl, 1-methyl-3-butenyl, 2-methyl-3-butenyl, 3-methyl-3-

butenyl, 1,1-dimethyl-2-propenyl, 1,2-dimethyl-1-propenyl, 1,2-dimethyl-2-propenyl,
1-ethyl-1-propenyl, 1-ethyl-2-propenyl, 1-hexenyl, 2-hexenyl, 3-hexenyl, 4-hexenyl,
5-hexenyl, 1-methyl-1-pentenyi, 2-methyl-1-pentenyl, 3-methyl-1-pentenyl, 4-methyl-
1-pentenyl, 1-methyl-2-pentenyl, 2-methyl-2-pentenyl, 3-methyl-2-pentenyl, 4-
methyl-2-pentenyl, 1-methyl-3-pentenyl, 2-methyl-3-pentenyl, 3-methyl-3-pentenyl,
4-methyl-3-pentenyl, 1-methyl-4-pentenyl, 2-methyl-4-pentenyl, 3-methyl-4-
pentenyl, 4-methyl-4-pentenyl, 1,1-dimethyl-2-butenyl, 1,1-dimethyl-3-butenyl, 1,2-
dimethyl-1-butenyl, 1,2-dimethyl-2-butenyl, 1,2-dimethyl-3-butenyl, 1,3-dimethyl-1-
butenyl, 1,3-dimethyl-2-butenyl, 1,3-dimethyl-3-butenyl, 2,2-dimethyl-3-butenyl, 2,3-
dimethyl-1-butenyl, 2,3-dimethyl-2-butenyl, 2,3-dimethyl-3-butenyl, 3,3-dimethyl-1-
butenyl, 3,3-dimethyl-2-butenyl, 1 -ethyl-1 -butenyl, 1-ethyl-2-butenyl, 1-ethyl-3-
butenyl, 2-ethyl-1 -butenyl, 2-ethyl-2-butenyl, 2-ethyl-3-butenyl, 1,1,2-trimethyl-2-
propenyl, 1-ethyl-1-methyl-2-propenyl, 1-ethyl-2-methyl-1-propenyl and 1-ethyl-2-
methyl-2-propenyl;
- C2-C6-alkynyl: for example ethynyl, 1-propynyl, 2-propynyl, 1-butynyl, 2-butynyl, 3-
butynyl, 1-methyl-2-propynyl, 1-pentynyl, 2-pentynyl, 3-pentynyl, 4-pentynyl, 1-
methyl-2-butynyl, 1-methyl-3-butynyl, 2-methyl-3-butynyl, 3-methyl-1-butynyl, 1,1-
dimethyl-2-propynyl, 1-ethyl-2-propynyl, 1-hexynyl, 2-hexynyi, 3-hexynyi, 4-hexynyi,
5-hexynyl, 1-methyl-2-pentynyl, 1-methyl-3-pentynyl, 1-methyl-4-pentynyl, 2-methyl-
3-pentynyl, 2-methyl-4-pentynyl, 3-methyl-1-pentynyl, 3-methyl-4-pentynyl, 4-
methyl-1-pentynyl, 4-methyl-2-pentynyl, 1,1-dimethyl-2-butynyl, 1,1-dimethyl-3-
butynyl, 1,2-dimethyl-3-butynyl, 2,2-dimethyl-3-butynyl, 3,3-dimethyI-1-butynyl, 1-
ethyl-2-butynyl, 1-ethyl-3-butynyl, 2-ethyl-3-butynyl and 1 -ethyl-1 -methyl-2-propynyl;
- C1-C4alkoxy: for example methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, 1-methylethoxy, butoxy,
1-methylpropoxy, 2-methylpropoxy and 1,1-dimethylethoxy;
- C1-C6-alkoxy: C1-C4-alkoxy as mentioned above, and also, for example, pentoxy,
1-methylbutoxy, 2-methylbutoxy, 3-methoxylbutoxy, 1,1-dimethyl-propoxy, 1,2-di-
methylpropoxy, 2,2-dimethylpropoxy, 1-ethylpropoxy, hexoxy, 1-methylpentoxy,
2-methylpentoxy, 3-methylpentoxy, 4-methylpentoxy, 1,1-di-methylbutoxy,1,2-di-
methylbutoxy, 1,3-dimethylbutoxy, 2,2-dimethylbutoxy, 2,3-dimethylbutoxy,
3,3-dimethylbutoxy, 1-ethylbutoxy, 2-ethylbutoxy, 1,1,2-tri-methylpropoxy, 1,2,2-tri-
methylpropoxy, 1-ethyl-1-methylpropoxy and 1-ethyl-2-methylpropoxy.
In a particularly preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, the
variables R1 to R6 have the following meanings, in each case on their own or in

combination:
R1 is C1-C4-alkyl;
preferably methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl;
very preferably methyl.
R2 is hydrogen, C1-C4-alkyl or C1-C4-haloalkyl;
preferably hydrogen, methyl or CfC^haloalkyl;
very preferably C1-C4-haloalkyl;
particularly preferably difluoromethyl or trifluoromethyl;
most preferably trifluoromethyl.
R3 is hydrogen, C1-C4-alkyl or C1-C4haloalkyl;
preferably hydrogen, methyl or trifluoromethyl;
very preferably hydrogen.
R4 is hydrogen or halogen;
preferably hydrogen, fluorine or chlorine;
very preferably hydrogen or fluorine;
particularly preferably fluorine.
R5 is halogen, cyano or C1-C4-haloalkyl;
preferably fluorine, chlorine, cyano or trifluoromethyl;
also preferably halogen or cyano;
very preferably fluorine, chlorine or cyano;
particularly preferably chlorine or cyano;
most preferably chlorine.
R6 is hydrogen or C1-C4-alkyl;
also preferably C1-C6-alkyl;
very preferably C1-C4-alkyl;
particularly preferably methyl, ethyl, n-propyl or isopropyl,
most preferably isopropyl.
R7 is hydrogen or C1-C4-alkyl;

also preferably C1-C6-alkyl;
very preferably C1-C4-alkyl;
particularly preferably methyl, ethyl, n-propyl or isopropyl,
most preferably methyl.
In a likewise preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, R2 has
the following meanings:
R2 is hydrogen or C1-C6-haloalkyl,
preferably C1-C6-haloalkyl,
very preferably C1-C4-haloalkyl,
particularly preferably difluoromethyl ortrifluoromethyl,
most preferably trifluoromethyl.
In a likewise preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, R2 has
the following meanings:
R2 is C1-C6-alkyl or C1-C6-haloalkyl,
preferably C1-C4-alkyl or C1-C6-haloalkyl,
very preferably C1-C4-haloalkyl,
particularly preferably difluoromethyi or trifluoromethyl,
most preferably trifluoromethyl.
In a likewise preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, R4 has
the following meanings:
R4 is hydrogen or halogen,
preferably hydrogen,
likewise preferably halogen,
very preferably fluorine or chlorine.
In a particularly preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention,
1-alkyl-3-phenyluracils of the formula I.a (corresponds to formula I where R2 = CF3, R3
= H and R7 = CH3), in particular the 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracils l.a.1 to l.a.24 of Table 1, are
prepared, where the definitions of the variables R1, R4, R5 and R6 are of particular
importance for the process according to the invention not only in combination with one
another but in each case also on their own.


The process according to the invention comprises the reaction of 3-phenyluracils of
formula II and alkylating agents of the formula III wherein during the entire reaction the
pH is kept in a range from 1 to 6 by adding base a little at a time:


The group L1 in the alkylating agent of the formula III is a nucleophilically displaceable
leaving group,
preferably halogen, hydrogensulfate, C1-C6-alkyl sulfate, C1-C6-alkyl carbonate,
C1-C6-alkylsulfonyloxy, C1-C6-haloalkylsulfonyloxy or phenylsulfonyloxy,
where the phenyl ring may carry one or more substituents from the group
consisting of halogen, nitro, C1-C6-alkyl and C1-C6-haloalkyl;
very preferably halogen, C1-C6-alkyl sulfate, C1-C6-alkylsulfonyloxy, C1-C6-
haloalkylsulfonyloxy, phenylsulfonyloxy, p-toluenesulfonyloxy, p-chlorophenyl-
sulfonyloxy, p-bromophenylsulfonyloxy or p-nitrophenylsulfonyloxy;
particularly preferably halogen, C1-C6-alkyl sulfate, C1-C6-alkylsulfonyloxy, C1-C6-
haloalkylsulfonyloxy or phenylsulfonyloxy;
very preferably C1-C6-alkyl sulfate;
most preferably C1-C6-alkyl sulfate;
also particularly preferably chlorine, bromine or iodine, methyl sulfate,
methylsulfonyloxy, trifluoromethylsulfonyloxy or phenylsulfonyloxy.
3-phenyluracils of the formula II are known from WO 01/83459 and WO 04/39768 and
can be prepared in accordance with the literature cited.
Preferred alkylating agents are C1-C6-alkyl halides, di-C1-C6-alkyl sulfates, di-C1-C6-
alkyl carbonates, C1-C6-alkylsulfonic acids, C1-C4-alkyl C1-C6-alkyl sulfonates, C1-C6-

haloalkylsulfonic acids, C1-C4-alkyl C1-C6-haloalkylsulfonates or C1-C4-alkyl
phenylsulfonates,
where the phenyl ring may carry one or more substituents from the group
consisting of halogen, nitro, C1-C6-alkyl and C1-C6-haloalkyl.
Very preferred alkylating agents are C1-C6-alkyl halides, di-C1-C6-alkyl sulfates, C1-C4-
alkyl C1-C6-alkylsulfonates or C1-C4-alkyl phenylsulfonates.
Likewise, very preferred alkylating agents are C1-C6-alkyl halides, di-C1-C6-alkyl
sulfates, di-C1-C6-alkyl carbonates, C1-C4-alkyl C1-C6-alkylsulfonates or C1-C4-alkyl
phenylsulfonates.
Particularly preferred alkylating agents are C1-C6-alkyl halides and di-C1-C6-alkyl
sulfates; most preferably di-C1-C6-alkyl sulfates.
Likewise, particularly preferred alkylating agents are C1-C6-alkyl halides, di-C1-C6-alkyl
sulfates and di-C1-C6-alkyl carbonates; very preferably C1-C6-alkyl halides and di-
C1-C6-alkylsulfates; most preferably di-C1-C6-alkyl sulfates.
Particularly preferred alkylating agents are methylating agents or ethylating agents,
such as methyl iodide, ethyl iodide, methyl bromide, methyl chloride, ethyl bromide,
ethyl chloride, dimethyl sulfate, diethyl sulfate, methyl or ethyl C1-C6-alkylsulfonate or
the methyl or ethyl esters of the abovementioned phenylsulfonic acids.
Likewise, especially preferred alkylating agents are methylating agents or ethylating
agents, such as methyl iodide, ethyl iodide, methyl bromide, methyl chloride, ethyl
bromide, ethyl chloride, dimethyl sulfate, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl sulfate, methyl or
ethyl C1-C6-alkylsulfonates or the methyl or ethyl esters of the abovementioned
phenylsulfonic acids.
A very particularly preferred methylating agent is dimethyl sulfate.
In the process according to the invention, the alkylating agent can be employed both in
an equlmolar amount, based on the 3-phenyluracils of the formula II, and in a
substoichiometric amount or superstoichiometric amount.
Usually, at least an equlmolar amount of the alkylating agent III, based on the 3-
phenyluracils of the formula II is employed.

The molar ratios for the ratio of 3-phenyluracils of the formula II to alkylating agent III
are generally in the range from 1:1 to 1:3, preferably from 1:1 to 1:1.3.
Sultable bases for the reaction according to the invention are all customary organic and
inorganic bases.
Sultable bases are, in general, inorganic compounds, such as alkali metal and alkaline
earth metal hydroxides, such as lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium
hydroxide and calcium hydroxide, alkali metal and alkaline earth metal oxides, such as
lithium oxide, sodium oxide, calcium oxide and magnesium oxide, alkali metal and
alkaline earth metal hydrides, such as lithium hydride, sodium hydride, potassium
hydride and calcium hydride, alkali metal or alkaline earth metal fluorides, such as
cesium fluoride, alkali metal amides, such as lithium amide, sodium amide and
potassium amide, alkali metal and alkaline earth metal carbonates, such as lithium
carbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate and calcium carbonate, and also
alkali metal bicarbonates, such as sodium bicarbonate, organometallic compounds, in
particular alkali metal alkyls, such as methyllithium, butyllithium and phenyllithium,
alkylmagnesium halides, such as methylmagnesium chloride, and also alkali metal and
alkaline earth metal alkoxides, such as sodium methoxide, sodium ethoxide, potassium
ethoxide, potassium tert-butoxide, potassium tert-pentoxide and dimethoxymagnesium,
moreover organic bases, for example ammonia, primary amines, such as, for example,
methylamine, ethylamine, hexylamine, aniline, secondary amines, such as, for
example, dimethylamine, diethylamine, tertiary amines, such as trimethylamine,
triethylamine, diisopropylethylamine, tributylamine, and N-methylpiperidine, pyridine,
substituted pyridines, such as collidine, lutidine and 4-dimethylaminopyridine, and also
bicyclic amines, such as 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU), 1,5-diaza-
bicyclo[4.3.0]-non-5-ene (DBN) or 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO).
Preferred bases are selected from the group consisting of alkali metal and alkaline
earth metal hydroxides, such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and lithium
hydroxide, alkali metal and alkaline earth metal oxides, such as calcium oxide, alkali
metal and alkaline earth metal carbonates, such as lithium carbonate, sodium
carbonate, potassium carbonate, cesium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium
carbonate, zinc carbonate, alkali metal bicarbonates, such as sodium bicarbonate and
also ammonia or tertiary amines, such as triethylamine;
particularly preferably selected from the group consisting of alkali metal and alkaline
earth metal hydroxides, ammonia and also tertiary amines.

Especially preferred are bases selected from the group consisting of alkali metal and
alkaline earth metal hydroxides, such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and
lithium hydroxide, alkali metal and alkaline earth metal oxides, such as calcium oxide,
alkali metal and alkaline earth metal carbonates, such as lithium carbonate, sodium
carbonate, potassium carbonate, cesium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium
carbonate, zinc carbonate and also alkali metal bicarbonates, such as sodium
bicarbonate.
In a particularly preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, the
base used is sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate or
potassium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate.
In a very preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, the base
used is an alkali metal hydroxide or alkaline earth metal hydroxide, preferably an alkali
metal hydroxide.
The bases are generally employed in equlmolar amounts, based on the 3-phenyluracils
of the formula II; however, they can also be employed in catalytic amounts, in excess
or, if appropriate, as solvent.
Preferably, at least an equlmolar amount of base, based on the compound II, is used.
The amount of base is generally not more than 1.3 mol per mole of the compound II.
In the reaction according to the invention, the pH is, during the entire reaction, kept in
the range from 1 to 6 by adding base a little at a time.
During the entire reaction, the pH is, by adding base a little at a time, preferably kept in
a range of from 2 to 6;
very preferably from 3 to 6;
particularly preferably from 4 to 6.
"Adding base a little at a time" means that the addition of base during the reaction is in
individual portions, i.e. in at least 2 portions, or in more than 2 up to many portions, or
continuously.
In particular embodiments of the process according to the invention, the pH can, during
the reaction, be kept by different means by adding base a little at a time in the range
from 1 to 6, these embodiments being particular embodiments of the process according
to the invention, both on their own and in combination:

In a preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, at the beginning
of the reaction, the pH is adjusted to between 1 and 6 and then, during the reaction,
kept constant at the value adjusted at the beginning.
In a further preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, the pH
adjusted to between 1 and 6 during the beginning of the reaction is continuously
changed to another pH in the range from 1 to 6 during the reaction.
In a further preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, the
continuous change of the pH during the reaction is repeated, where this repetition may
be carried out as many times as desired.
In a further preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, the pH is
initially, during the beginning of the reaction, adjusted to between 1 and 6 and initially
kept constant at the adjusted value. After partial reaction, this is then changed to a
different pH in the range of from 1 to 6, which is then again kept constant at the newly
adjusted value. This newly adjusted pH can then, after partial reaction, again be
changed to a different pH in the range of from 1 to 6, i.e. the adjusted pH in the range
of from 1 to 6 can, after partial reaction, be changed as many times as desired. This
means that the pH adjusted to between 1 and 6 during the beginning of the reaction is
changed one or more times, in each case after partial reaction, to a different pH in the
range of from 1 to 6, the respective changed pH being kept constant until the next
change.
In an especially preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, the
pH adjusted to between 1 and 6 during the beginning of the reaction is changed once,
after partial reaction, to a different pH in the range of from 1 to 6.
Further possible preferred embodiments are all variants which are intermediate forms
of the preferred embodiments mentioned above, it also hence being possible for the pH
to jump to a different value in the range from 1 to 6.
All of these preferred embodiments can be combined with one another as often as
desired and/or be repeated as often as desired.
The pH adjusted during the beginning of the reaction to between 1 and 6 may be
higher than the pH value adjusted by the pH change or than the pH values adjusted by

the pH changes.
Furthermore, the pH adjusted during the beginning of the reaction to between 1 and 6
may be lower than the pH value adjusted by the pH change or than the pH values
adjusted by the pH changes.
In addition, the pH adjusted during the beginning of the reaction to between 1 and 6
may be in between the pH values adjusted by the pH changes.
Particularly preferably, the pH adjusted during the beginning of the reaction to between
1 and 6 is higher than the pH value adjusted by the pH change or than the pH values
adjusted by the pH changes.
The person skilled in the art may determine the pH by standard methods, for example
by periodic or continuous measurement of the pH.
For the reaction, the 3-phenyluracils of the formula II, the alkylating agents of the
formula III and the base can be brought into contact in any way per se, the base being
added a little at a time.
This means that the reaction partners and the base may be introduced into the reaction
vessel and reacted separately, simultaneously or successively, the base being added a
little at a time.
Preferably, the 3-phenyiuracils of the formula II and the alkylating agents of the formula
III are initially charged in a reaction vessel, if appropriate with the desired solvent, and
the desired reaction conditions are then established by adding base a little at a time.
However, it is also possible to introduce into the reaction vessel the major amount or
total amount of 3-phenyluracils of the formula II and the alkylating agents of the formula
III, if appropriate in a solvent, and establishing the desired reaction conditions by
adding base a little at a time.
The reaction of the 3-phenyluracils II with the alkylating agent III is advantageously
carried out in the presence of a solvent.
Solvents sultable for these reactions are, depending on the temperature range,
aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbons, such as pentane, hexane,

cyclopentane, cyclohexane, toluene, xylene, chlorinated aliphatic and aromatic
hydrocarbons, such as dichloromethane, trichloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,1,2,2-
tetrachloroethane, chlorobenzene, 1,2-, 1,3- or 1,4-dichlorobenzene, chlorotoluenes,
dichlorotoluenes, open-chain dialkyl ethers, such as diethyl ether, di-n-propyl ether,
diisopropyl ether, methyl tert-butyl ether, cyclic ethers, such as tetrahydrofuran,
1,4-dioxane, anisole, glycol ethers, such as dimethyl glycol ether, diethyl glycol ether,
diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, C1-C4alcohols, such
as methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, aliphatic C1-C6-alkyl
carboxylates, such as methyl acetate, ethyl acetate or n-butyl acetate; ketones, such
as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isopropyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone,
butanone, carbonates, such as diethyl carbonate and ethylene carbonate, N,N-
dialkylamides, such as N,N-dimethyIformamide or N,N-dimethyiacetamide,
N-alkyllactams, such as N-methylpyrrolidone, sulfoxides, such as dimethyl sulfoxide,
tetraalkyl ureas, such as tetramethyl urea, tetraethyl urea, tetrabutyl ureas,
dimethylethylene urea, dimethylpropylene urea or mixtures of these solvents.
Preferred solvents are N,N-dimethylformamide, N-methylpyrrolidone, acetone,
dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, toluene, chlorobenzene, methyl acetate, ethyl
acetate, butyl acetate or mixtures of these solvents.
Preferably, the alkylation of the 3-phenyluracils of the formula II is carried out at
temperatures between -5°C and 100°C, preferably at temperatures between 0°C and
80°C and in particular at temperatures between 20°C and 70°C, very preferably
between 20°C and 60°C. The reaction time can be determined by the person skilled in
the art in a manner customary per se, by standard methods, such as thin-layer
chromatography or HPLC.
The reaction can be carried out at atmospheric pressure, reduced pressure or under
elevated pressure, if appropriate under an inert gas, continuously or batchwise.
Work-up of the reaction mixture to obtain the 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracils of the formula I
can be carried out by the methods customary for this purpose. In general, the solvent
used is removed by customary processes, for example by distillation. The 1-alkyl-
3-phenyluracils I can then be taken up in a water-immiscible organic solvent, any
impurities are then extracted using water which, if appropriate, is acidified, the product
is dried and the solvent is removed under reduced pressure. For further purification, it
is possible to use customary processes such as crystallization, precipitation or
chromatography.

In another variant of the process according to the invention, the reaction can also be
carried out in a multiphasic system.
This variant of the process according to the invention is preferred.
With respect to alkylating agents, pH, base, temperature, pressure and work-up, what
was said above applies. In general, when using a two-phase system, for work-up, the
phases are separated and separately from one another worked-up by known methods.
Preferably, the reaction is carried out in an aqueous/organic multiphasic system in the
presence of phase-transfer catalysts.
Examples of phase-transfer catalysts are quaternary ammonium salts, phosphonium
salts, crown ethers or polyglycols.
Sultable quaternary ammonium salts comprise, for example,
tetra-(C1-C18)-alkylammonium fluorides, chlorides, bromides, iodides,
tetrafluoroborates, diborates, hydrogensulfates, hydroxides, perchlorates and borates,
such as, for example,
tetramethylammonium fluoride tetrahydrate, tetramethylammonium fluoride,
tetrabutylammonium fluoride, tetrabutylammonium fluoride trihydrate,
tetramethylammonium chlorine, tetraethylammonium chloride,
tetrapropylammonium chloride, tetrabutylammionium chloride,
dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride, methyltributylammonium chloride,
methyltrioctylammonium chloride, methyltricaprylammonium chloride;
tetramethylammonium bromide, tetraethylammonium chloride hydrate,
tetraethylammonium bromide, tetrapropylammonium bromide (TPAB),
tetrabutylammonium bromide (TEAB), tetrahexylammonium bromide,
tetraoctylammonium bromide, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB),
dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide, tetramethylammonium bromide
tetrabutylammonium iodide, tetrahexylammonium iodide, tetrabutylammonium
tetrafluoroborate, C12-C14-trimethylammonium diborate, tetrabutylammonium
hydrogensulfate (TBAHS), tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAOH),
tetraethylammonium hydroxide, tetrapropylammonium hydroxide,
tetrabutylammonium hydroxide, tetrabutylammonium perchlorate,
C12-C14-alkyltrimethylammonium borate, C12-C14-alkyltrimethylammonium
diborate;

N-benzyltri-(C1-C18)-alkylammonium chlorides, bromides or fluorides, such as, for
example,
benzyltrimethylammonium chloride (BTMAC), benzyltriethylammonium chloride
(BTEAC), benzyltriethylammonium bromide, benzyltributylammonium chloride,
benzyltributylammonium bromide;
phenyltri(C1-C18)-alkylammonium chlorides, bromides or fluorides, such as, for
example,
phenyltrimethylammonium chloride (PTMAC);
aromatic ammonium salts, such as, for example, hexadecylpyridinium chloride,
N,N-dimethylpiperidinium hydroxide, pyridinium fluorides, chlorides or bromides,
such as, for example, 1-cetylpyridinium chloride monohydrate, cetylpyridinium
bromide;
preferably tetrabutylammonium chloride, methyltributylammonium chloride,
methyltrioctylammonium chloride, tetrabutylammonium bromide, tetrahexylammonium
bromide, tetraoctylammonium bromide, tetrabutylammonium iodide,
tetrahexylammonium iodide, tetrabutylammonium hydrogensulfate and
tetrabutylammonium hydroxide.
Sultable phosphonium salts comprise, for example,
C1-C18-alkyltriphenylphosphonium chlorides, bromides, acetates, such as, for example,
methyltriphenylphosphonium bromide, ethyltriphenylphosphonium bromide,
ethyltriphenylphosphonium iodide, ethyltriphenylphosphonium acetate,
butyltriphenylphosphonium chloride, butyltriphenylphosphonium bromide,
tetra-(C1-C18)-alkylphosphonium chloride or bromide, such as tetrabutylphosphonium
bromide,
tetraphenylphosphonium chloride or bromide, benzyltriphenylphosphonium chloride or
bromide.
Sultable crown ethers comprise, for example, 18-crown-6, dibenzo-18-crown-6.
Sultable polyglycols comprise, for example, diethyleneglycoldibutyl ether (=butyl
diglyme), tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether (= tetraglyme), triethylene glycol dimethyl
ether (= triglyme), polyglycol dimethyl ether.
In general, the phase-transfer catalyst is employed in an amount of up to 20 mol%,
preferably between 1 and 15 mol% and in particular between 2 and 12 mol%, based on
the 3-phenyluracils II.

The multiphasic system comprises an aqueous phase and at least one organic liquld
phase. In addition, solid phases may also be present.
The aqueous phase is preferably a solution of bases.
Sultable bases for this preferred variant of the process according to the invention are
all customary organic and inorganic bases as mentioned above, in particular the bases
mentioned above as being preferred or particularly or very preferred.
Preferred bases are alkali metal and alkaline earth metal hydroxides, such as lithium
hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide; alkali metal
and alkaline earth metal carbonates, such as lithium carbonate, sodium carbonate,
potassium carbonate and calcium carbonate and alkali metal bicarbonates, such as
sodium bicarbonate.
Particular preference is given to using alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hydroxides,
very preferably alkali metal hydroxides such as, for example, sodium hydroxide.
The bases are generally employed in equlmoiar amounts, based on the 3-phenyluracils
of the formula II; however, they can also be employed in catalytic amounts, in excess
or, if appropriate, as solvents.
Preferably, at least an equlmoiar amount of base, based on compound II, is employed.
The amount of base is generally not more than 1.3 mol per mole of the compound II.
The aqueous phase is particularly preferably a solution of bases, such as, for example,
alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hydroxides, carbonates, alkali metal bicarbonates,
ammonia or water-soluble primary, secondary or tertiary amines in water.
The aqueous phase is especially preferably a solution of alkali metal or alkaline earth
metal hydroxides, carbonates or alkali metal bicarbonates in water.
Preferred solvents for the organic phase are, depending on the temperature range,
aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbons, such as pentane, hexane,
cyclopentane, cyclohexane, toluene, xylene, chlorinated aliphatic and aromatic
hydrocarbons, such as dichloromethane, trichloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,1,2,2-
tetrachloroethane, chlorobenzene, 1,2-, 1,3-or 1,4-dichlorobenzene, chlorotoluenes,
dichlorotoluenes, open-chain dialkyl ethers, such as diethyl ether, di-n-propyl ether,

diisopropyl ether, methyl tert-butyl ether, cyclic ethers, such as tetrahydrofuran (THF)
and anisole, aliphatic C1-C6-alkyI carboxylates, such as methyl acetate, ethyl acetate or
n-butyl acetate or mixtures of these solvents.
Preferred solvents for the organic phase are ethyl acetate, n-butyl acetate,
chlorobenzene, THF, toluene or mixtures of these solvents; very preferred are ethyl
acetate, n-butyl acetate, chlorobenzene and THF mixtures of these solvents, and also
toluene and THF mixtures of toluene.
Solid phases may occur during the reaction, for example if the 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracil of
the formula I, the 3-phenyluracil of the formula II, the alkylating agent of the formula III,
the base and/or the phase-transfer catalyst are not fully dissolved.
In a preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention, the multiphasic
system comprises, as aqueous phase, aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution, for
example, sodium hydroxide solution, and, as organic phase, toluene and
tetrahydrofuran, or dichloromethane and tetrahydrofuran, chlorobenene and
tetrahydrofuran, or ethyl acetate or n-butyl acetate.
For the reaction, the 3-phenyluracils of formula II, the alkylating agents of the formula
III, the base and, if appropriate, the phase-transfer catalyst can be brought into contact
with one another in any manner per se, the base being added a little at a time.
The reaction partners, the base and, if appropriate, the phase-transfer catalyst can be
introduced into the reaction vessel and reacted separately, simultaneously or
successively, the base being added a little at a time.
For example, the 3-phenyluracils of the formula II may be initially charged in one of the
organic solvents or solvent mixtures mentioned above. With mixing, the aqueous
solution of the base, a little at a time, the alkylating agent III and, if appropriate, the
phase-transfer catalyst are then added.
Preferably, the 3-phenyluracils of the formula II and the alkylating agents of the formula
III and the phase-transfer catalyst are initially charged in a reaction vessel with the
desired solvent, and the desired reaction conditions are then established by adding
base a little at a time.
However, it is also possible to introduce the major amount or total amount of 3-
phenyluracils of the formula II and the alkylating agents of the formula III and, if

appropriate, the phase-transfer catalyst, if appropriate in a solvent, into the reaction
vessel, establishing the desired reaction conditions by adding base a little at a time.
The examples below serve to illustrate the invention.
Amongst other things, the ratio of desired 3-phenyluracils I to the corresponding
dialkylated byproduct A was determined:

1. Reaction according to the invention at different constant PH values
12.5 g (24.5 mmol) of 2-chloro-5-[3,6-dihydro-2,6-dioxo-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1(2H)-
pyrimidynyl]-4-fluoro-N-{[methyl-(1-methylethyl)amino]sulfonyl}benzamide, 0.8 g (2.5
mmol) of tetrabutylammonium bromide (= TBAB) and 3.7 g (29.7 mmol) of dimethyl
sulfate were initially charged in a mixture of toluene, water and THF at 25°C, and the
mixture was heated to 40°C over 6 h. By addition of aqueous 10% strength NaOH
solution, the desired pH was then established in the reaction mixture.
During the entire duration of the reaction, further aqueous 10% strength NaOH solution
was added, so that, during the entire course of the reaction, the pH was the pH
established beforehand.
After the reaction had ended, the phases were separated, the organic phase was dried
and the solvent was removed.
The yield and the ratio of desired 3-phenyluracil I to unwanted dialkylation product A
were determined by quantitative HPLC (symmetry C18 5 µm for 250 x 4.6 mm from

waters; wavelength: 205 nm; mobile phase: gradient of A (0.1% by volume of H3PO4 in
H2O) and B (0.1% by volume of H3PO4 in CH3CN); B increasing over 25 min from 35%
to 100% and then over 2 min back to 35%; flow rate: 1 ml/min) or by qualitative HPLC
(Symmetry C18 5 µm 250 x 4.6 mm from Waters; wavelength: 220 nm; mobile phase:
40% by weight of acetonitrile/60% by weight of water/0.1% by weight of 85% strength
H3PO4; flow rate: 1.5 ml/min).
The yield of 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracil l.a.23 (RT: 12.0 min; RTstarting material". 10.0 min) and
the ratio of desired 3-phenyluracil I to unwanted dialkylation product A where R1 = CH3,
R2 = CF3, R3 = H, R4 = F, R5 = CI, R6 = CH(CH3)2, R7 = CH3; hereafter "dialkylation
product A.a.23" (RT: 13.4 min), at different constant pH values are shown in Table 2:

2. Reaction according to the invention at variable PH
40.0 g (0.0785 mol) of 2-chloro-5-[3,6-dihydro-2,6-dioxo-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1(2H)-
pyrimidynyl]-4-fluoro-N-{[methyl-(1 -methylethyl)amino]sulfonyl}benzamide, 2.5 g
(0.0078 mol) of tetrabutylammonium bromide (= TBAB) and 12.1 g (0.0957 mol) of
dimethyl sulfate were initially charged in a mixture of toluene, water and THF at 25°C,
and the mixture was heated at 40°C. A pH of 5.3-5.5 was then established in the
reaction mixture by addition of aqueous 10% strength NaOH solution.
The mixture was stirred at 40°C for 1 h, during which time further aqueous 10%
strength NaOH solution was added, so that the pH was constant at the pH established
beforehand. After 1 h, addition of the aqueous 10% strength NaOH solution was
stopped, and the pH fell to 4.4-4.5. A further 0.9 g (0.0071 mol) of dimethyl sulfate was
added, and the mixture was stirred for another 10 h at a pH of 4.4-4.5 and 40°C.
After the reaction had ended, the phases were separated, the organic phase was dried
and the solvent was removed.

The yield and the ratio of desired 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracil l.a.23 to unwanted dialkylation
product A.a.23 at variable pH were determined as mentioned under experiment 1 and
are shown in Table 3:

3. Comparative experiment: single addition of base at the start of the reaction
12.5 g (24.5 mmol) of 2-chloro-5-[3,6-dihydro-2,6-dioxo-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1(2H)-
pyrimidynyl]-4-fluoro-N-{[methyl-(1-methylethyl)amino]sulfonyl}benzamide, 0.8 g (2.5
mmol) of tetrabutylammonium bromide (= TBAB) and 3.7 g (29.7 mmol) of dimethyl
sulfate and 11.6 g (2.9 mmol) of NaOH were initially charged in a mixture of toluene,
water and THF at 25°C, and the mixture was heated at 40°C over 6 h. At the beginning
of the reaction, the pH was 6.3, and at the end it was 4.2.
After the reaction had ended, the phases were separated, the organic phase was dried
and the solvent was removed.
The yield and the ratio of desired 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracil I.a.23 to unwanted dialkylation
product A.a.23 in the case of a single addition of base at the beginning of the reaction
were determined as mentioned under experiment I and are shown in Table 4:

4. Reaction according to the invention using different solvents
12.5 g (24.5 mmol) of 2-chloro-5-[3,6-dihydro-2,6-dioxo-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1(2H)-
pyrimidynyl]-4-fluoro-N-{[methyl-(1-methylethyl)amino]sulfonyl}benzamide, 0.8 g (2.5
mmol) of tetrabutylammonium bromide (= TBAB) and 3.7 g (29.7 mmol) of dimethyl
sulfate were initially charged in a solvent or solvent mixture at 25°C, and the mixture
was heated at 40°C. A pH of 5.3-5.5 was then established in the reaction mixture by
addition of aqueous 10% strength NaOH solution.
During the entire duration of the reaction, further 10% strength NaOH solution was

added so that, during the entire course of the reaction, the pH was the pH established
beforehand.
After the reaction had ended, the phases were separated, the organic phase was dried
and the solvent was removed.
the ratio of desired 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracil l.a.23 to unwanted dialkylation product
A.a.23 for different solvents was determined as mentioned under experiment 1 and is
shown in Table 5:

5. Reaction according to the invention using different alkylating agents
12.5 g (24.5 mmol) of 2-chloro-5-[3,6-dihydro-2,6-dioxo-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1(2H)-
pyrimidynyl]-4-fluoro-N-{[methyl-(1-methylethyl)amino]sulfonyl}benzamide, 0.8 g (2.5

mmol) of tetrabutylammonium bromide (= TBAB) and the desired alkylating agent were
initially charged in a mixture of toluene, water and THF at 25°C, and the mixture was
heated at the temperature indicated. A pH of 5.3-5.5 was then established in the
reaction mixture by addition of aqueous 10% strength NaOH solution.
During the entire duration of the reaction, further aqueous 10% strength NaOH solution
was added so that, during the entire course of the reaction, the pH was the pH
established beforehand.
After the reaction had ended, the phases were separated, the organic phase was dried
and the solvent was removed.
The ratio of desired 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracil l.a.23 to unwanted dialkylation product
A.a.23 for different alkylating agents was determined as mentioned under experiment 1
and is shown in Table 6:

6. Reaction according to the invention using different phase-transfer catalysts
125 g (0.24 mol) 2-chloro-5-[3,6-dihydro-2,6-dioxo-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1(2H)-
pyrimidynyl]-4-fluoro-N-{[methyl-(1 -methylethyl)amino]sulfonyl}benzamide, (0.02 mol)
of phase-transfer catalyst and 37 g (0.30 mol) of dimethyl sulfate were initially charged
in a mixture of toluene, water and THF at 25°C, and the mixture was heated at 40°C. A
pH of 5.0-5.5 was then established in the reaction mixture by addition of aqueous 10%
strength NaOH solution.
During the entire duration of the reaction, further aqueous 10% strength NaOH solution
was added so that, during the entire course of the reaction, the pH was the pH
established beforehand.
After the reaction had ended, the phases were then separated, the organic phase was
dried and the solvent was removed.

The ratio of desired 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracil l.a.23 to unwanted dialkylation product
A.a.23 for different phase-transfer catalysts was determined as mentioned under
experiment 1 and is shown in Table 7:

7. Reaction according to the invention at different reaction temperatures
12.5 g (24.5 mmol) of 2-chloro-5-[3,6-dihydro-2,6-dioxo-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1(2H)-
pyrimidynyl]-4-fluoro-N-{[methyl-(1-methylethyl)amino]sulfonyl}ben2amide, 0.8 g (2.5
mmol) of tetrabutylammonium bromide (= TBAB) and 3.7 g (29.7 mmol) of dimethyl
sulfate were initially charged in a mixture of toluene, water and THF at 25°C, and the
mixture was heated at the stated temperature. A pH of 5.3-5.4 was then established in
the reaction mixture by addition of aqueous 10% strength NaOH solution.
During the entire duration of the reaction, further aqueous 10% strength NaOH solution
was added so that, during the entire course of the reaction, the pH was the pH
established beforehand.
After the reaction had ended, the phases were separated, the organic phase was dried
and the solvent was removed.
The yield and the ratio of desired 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracil l.a.23 to unwanted dialkylation
product A.a.23 were determined as mentioned under experiment 1 and are shown in
Table 8:


8. Variation of the addition of the methvlating agent
8a. Addition of the methylatinq agent at the beginning of the reaction
50.0 g (0.98 mol) of 2-chloro-5-[3,6-dihydro-2,6-dioxo-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1(2H)-
pyrimidynyl]-4-fluoro-N-{[methyl-(1-methylethyl)amino]sulfonyl}benzamide, 3.2 g
(0.0089 mol) of tetrabutylammonium bromide (= TBAB) and 15.1 g (0.12 mol) of
dimethyl sulfate were initially charged in a mixture of toluene, water and THF at 25°C,
and the mixture was heated at 40°C. A pH of 5.3-5.5 was then established in the
reaction mixture by addition of aqueous 10% strength NaOH solution.
During the entire duration of the reaction, further aqueous 10% strength NaOH solution
was added so that, during the entire course of the reaction, the pH was the pH
established beforehand.
After the reaction had ended, the phases were separated, the organic phase was dried
and the solvent was removed.
The ratio of desired 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracil l.a.23 to unwanted dialkylation product
A.a.23 was determined as mentioned under experiment 1 and is shown in Table 9:


8b. Addition of the methvlatinq agent a little at a time during the reaction
70.0 g (0.1321 mol) of 2-chloro-5-[3,6-dihydro-2,6-dioxo-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1(2H)-
pyrimidynyl]-4-fluoro-N-{[methyl-(1 -methylethyl)amino]sulfonyl}benzamide, 4.3 g
(0.0132 mol) of tetrabutylammonium bromide (= TBAB) were initially charged in a
mixture of toluene, water and THF at 25°C, and the mixture was heated at 40°C. A pH
of 5.3-5.5 was then established in the reaction mixture by addition of aqueous 10%
strength NaOH solution.
During the entire duration of the reaction, further aqueous 10% strength NaOH solution
was added so that, during the entire course of the reaction, the pH was the pH
established beforehand.
21.0 g (0.17 mol) of dimethyl sulfate in toluene were added dropwise over a period of
8 h.
After the reaction had ended, the phases were separated, the organic phase was dried
and the solvent was removed.
The ratio of desired 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracil l.a.23 to unwanted dialkylation product
A.a.23 was determined as mentioned under experiment 1 and is shown in Table 10:

9. Reaction according to the invention with various bases
At 25°C, 35.0 g (68.6 mmol) of 2-chloro-5-[3,6-dihydro-2,6-dioxo-4-(trifluoromethyl)-
1 (2H)-pyrimidinyl]-4-fluoro-N-{[methyl-(1-methylethyl)amino]sulfonyl}benzamide, 2.2 g
(6.9 mmol) of tetrabutylammonium bromide (= TBAB) and 10.6 g (85.1 mmol) of
dimethyl sulfate were initially charged in a solvent or solvent mixture, and the mixture
was warmed to 40°C. By addition of 10% strength aqueous solution of the base, the pH
of the reaction mixture was then adjusted to 5.3-5.5. During the entire reaction time,
more 10% strength aqueous solution of the base was added, so that during the entire
course of the reaction the pH was constant at the pH adjusted beforehand.
After 4 h, the phases were separated, the organic phase was dried and the solvent was
removed.
The ratio of desired 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracil l.a.23 to unwanted dialkylation product



We claim:
1. A process for preparing 1-alkyl-3-phenyluraci!s of formula I

where the variables are as defined below:
R1 is C1-C6-alkyl;
R2 and R3 independently of one another are
hydrogen, C1-C6-alkyl or C1-C6-haloalkyl;
R4 and R5 independently of one another are
hydrogen, halogen, cyano, C1-C6-alkyl or C1-C6-haloalkyl;
R6 and R7 independently of one another are
hydrogen, C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C6-alkoxy, C3-C6-alkenyl, C3-C6-alkynyl, C3-C6-
cycloalkyl, C3-C6-cycloalkenyl, phenyl or benzyl;
by reacting 3-phenyluracils of the formula II

where the variables R2 to R7 are as defined above
and alkylating agents of the formula III
R1-L1 III,
where R1 is as defined above and
L1 is halogen, hydrogensulfate, C1-C6-alkyl sulfate, C1-C6-alkyl carbonate, C1-C6-
alkylsulfonyloxy, C1-C6-haloalkylsulfonyloxy or phenylsulfonyloxy,
where the phenyl ring may carry one or more substituents from the group
consisting of halogen, nitro, C1-C6-alkyl and C1-C6-haloalkyl,
with one another,

wherein during the entire reaction the pH is kept in a range from 1 to 6 by adding
base a little at a time.
2. The process for preparing 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracils of the formula I as claimed in
claim 1, wherein the alkylating agent is selected from the group consisting of
C1-C6-alkyI halides, di-C1-C6-alkyl sulfates, C1-C6-alkyl C1-C4-alkylsulfonates and
C1-C4-alkyl phenylsulfonates.
3. The process for preparing 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracils of the formula I as claimed in
claim 1 or 2, wherein the alkylating agent is a di-C1-C6-alkyl sulfate.
4. The process for preparing 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracils of the formula I as claimed in
any of claims 1 to 3, wherein during the entire reaction the pH is kept in a range
from 3 to 6 by adding base a little at a time.
5. The process for preparing 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracils of formula I as claimed in any
of claims 1 to 4, wherein at the start of the reaction the pH is adjusted to between
1 and 6 and then during the reaction kept constant at the value adjusted at the
beginning.
6. The process for preparing 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracils of the formula I as claimed in
any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pH adjusted during the beginning of the reaction
to between 1 and 6 is, during the reaction, changed continuously to another pH in
the range of from 1 to 6.
7. The process for preparing 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracils of the formula I as claimed in
any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pH adjusted constantly during the beginning of
the reaction to between 1 and 6 is changed once or more than once, in each
case after partial reaction, to another pH in the range of from 1 to 6, the
respective changed pH being kept constant until the next change.
8. The process for preparing 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracils of the formula I as claimed in
any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the reaction is carried out in an aqueous/organic
multiphase system in the presence of phase-transfer catalysts.
9. The process for preparing 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracils of the formula I as claimed in
claim 8, wherein the phase-transfer catalyst is selected from the group consisting
of quaternary ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, crown ethers and
polyglycols.
10. The process for preparing 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracils of the formula I as claimed in
claim 8 or 9, wherein the aqueous phase is a solution of alkali metal or alkaline
earth metal hydroxides, carbonates or alkali metal bicarbonates in water.

11. The process for preparing 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracils of the formula I as claimed in
any of claims 1 to 10, wherein
R2 is C1-C4-haloalkyl;
R3 is hydrogen;
R4 is hydrogen or fluorine;
R5 is chlorine and
R6 and R7 are C1-C6-alkyl.


Method for production of 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracils
Abstract
The present invention relates to a process for preparing 1-alkyl-3-phenyluracils of the
formula I

where the variables R1 to R7 are as defined in the description
by reacting 3-phenyluracils of the formula II

and alkylating agents of the formula III

with one another,
wherein during the entire reaction the pH is kept in a range from 1 to 6 by adding base
a little at a time.

Documents:

04097-kolnp-2007-abstract.pdf

04097-kolnp-2007-claims.pdf

04097-kolnp-2007-correspondence others.pdf

04097-kolnp-2007-description complete.pdf

04097-kolnp-2007-form 1.pdf

04097-kolnp-2007-form 3.pdf

04097-kolnp-2007-form 5.pdf

04097-kolnp-2007-international publication.pdf

04097-kolnp-2007-international search report.pdf

04097-kolnp-2007-pct priority document notification.pdf

04097-kolnp-2007-pct request form.pdf

04097-kolnp-2007-translated copy of priority document.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-(13-02-2012)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-(13-12-2011)-ABSTRACT.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-(13-12-2011)-AMANDED CLAIMS.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-(13-12-2011)-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-(13-12-2011)-EXAMINATION REPORT REPLY RECEIVED.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-(13-12-2011)-FORM-1.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-(13-12-2011)-FORM-2.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-(13-12-2011)-FORM-3.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-(13-12-2011)-OTHER PATENT DOCUMENT.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-(13-12-2011)-OTHERS PCT FORM.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-(13-12-2011)-OTHERS.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-(13-12-2011)-PA-CERTIFIED COPIES.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 1.1.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-FORM 18 1.1.pdf

4097-kolnp-2007-form 18.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-FORM 3-1.1.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-FORM 3.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-FORM 5-1.1.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-FORM 5.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-GPA.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-GRANTED-ABSTRACT.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-GRANTED-CLAIMS.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-GRANTED-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-GRANTED-FORM 1.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-GRANTED-FORM 2.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-GRANTED-SPECIFICATION.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-INTENATIONAL PUBLICATION.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-OTHERS PCT FORM.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-OTHERS.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-PCT PRIORITY DOCUMENT NOTIFICATION.pdf

4097-KOLNP-2007-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

abstract-04097-kolnp-2007.jpg


Patent Number 253399
Indian Patent Application Number 4097/KOLNP/2007
PG Journal Number 29/2012
Publication Date 20-Jul-2012
Grant Date 18-Jul-2012
Date of Filing 25-Oct-2007
Name of Patentee BASF AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
Applicant Address 67056 LUDWIGSHAFEN
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 GEBHARDT JOACHIM PEGAUER STR. 51, 67157 WACHENHEIM
2 KEIL MICHAEL FONTANESTR. 4, 67251 FREINSHEIM
3 SCHMIDT THOMAS PFARRGASSE 8, 67433 NEUSTADT
4 WEVERS JAN HENDRIK GARTENSTR. 11, 67591 HOHENSULZEN
5 ZECH HELMUT HOLZWEG 75A, 67098 BAD DURKHEIM
6 HABERLE RUDOLF WORMSER STR. 52, 68309 MANNHEIM
7 LOHR SANDRA BENCKISER STR. 30, 67059 LUDWIGSHAFEN
PCT International Classification Number C07D 239/54
PCT International Application Number PCT/EP2006/062414
PCT International Filing date 2006-05-18
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 102005024448.3 2005-05-24 Germany