Reaction of 7-(2-mesyloxy-2-phenylethyl)theophylline with amines: Synthesis of 1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-6-imino-2-oxo-7H-purine derivatives

Theophylline was converted to 7-(2-phenyl-2-methanesulfonyloxy)ethyl congen er and the product was treated with ammonia or primary amines in a mixture solution of water and organic solvents. Two products were proven to be the styrene analogue and 7-(2-amino-2-phenylethyl)theophylline. The structure o f the third product was elucidated as the 1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-6-imino-2-oxo- 7H-purine derivatives by spectroscopic analysis including HMBC correlation and X-ray crystallography. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserv ed.