Process for the preparation of 6-(perfluoroalkyl) uracil compounds form urea compounds

A process for the preparation of a 6-(perfluoroalkyl)uracil compound having the structural formula I

• wherein
• n is an integer of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6;
• Y is hydrogen or C1-C6alkyl;
• and
• Q is a C1-C6alkyl group or an optionally substituted phenyl, benzyl, heteroaryl or methyleneheteroaryl group,
• which process comprises
• (a) reacting a urea compound having the structural formula II
• wherein
• Z and Z1 are each independently C1-C8alkyl or Z and Z1 may be taken together with the atom to which they are attached to form a 4- to 7-membered ring wherein ZZ1 is represented by —(CH2)2O (CH2)2— or —(CH2)m— where m is an integer of 3, 4, 5 or 6;
• Z2 is C1-C6alkyl or benzyl optionally substituted on the phenyl ring with any combination of from one to three halogen, C1-C4alkyl or C1-C4haloalkyl groups;
• and
• n is as described above,
• with an amine compound having the structural formula III
• wherein
• Q is as described above in the presence of an acid or base to form the 6-(perfluoroalkyl)uracil compound of formula I wherein Y is hydrogen;
• and
• (b) optionally alkylating the formula I compound wherein Y is hydrogen, to form a formula I compound wherein Y is C1-C6 alkyl.