Synthesis of 2-(aminophenyl)adenine derivatives: a simple protocol using the classical iron powder/acetic acid reduction methodology

Abstract

2-(Nitrophenyl)adenine derivatives were isolated from the reaction of 5-amino-4-amidino-imidazoles with nitrobenzaldehydes. The conversion of the nitro derivatives to 2-(aminophenyl)adenine derivatives was performed using iron/acetic acid as reducing agent, in 70% aqueous ethanol. The products were isolated in good yield and the isolation protocol involves simple filtration and extraction procedures. This methodology is compatible with the presence of functional groups such as amines, ethers, halofluorides, and halochlorides.