A set of mercaptovinyl tetrahydropyrimidines was synthesized in good y
ields by lithiation of 1,2-dimethyltetrahydropyrimidine with n-butyl l
ithium in tetrahydrofurane, followed by condensation with aromatic thi
oesters. Against three nematode genera, anthelminthic screening shows
little activity; 2b and 2d were the most potent against Molinema desse
tae.