N-9 and N-7 benzylated 6-halopurines readily participate in palladium
catalyzed cross coupling reactions with organotin and organozinc deriv
atives. In most instances the 6-chloropurines can be used. Organostann
anes are excellent reagents for the introduction of alkenyl and aryl s
ubstituents, but organozinc compounds are the reagents of choice for t
he introduction of alkyl groups.