Anodic decarboxylative oxidation of carboxymethyluracil and -thymine isomers

Abstract

The anodic oxidative decarboxylation of isomers of uracil and thymine acetic acids was studied. Electrolysis in methanolic or ethanolic solutions yielded respective alkoxymethyl derivatives via carbocationic intermediates. In acetic acid/sodium acetate medium, these were trapped by acetate, resulting in corresponding acetoxymethyl derivatives. Electrolysis in fully deuterated methanol or deuterated acetic acid, allow to obtain respective trideuterated compounds.