Synthesis of Pyrimidine Derivatives from Three-component Reaction of Malononitrile, Aldehydes and Thiourea/Urea in the Presence of High Surface Area and Nanosized MgO as a Highly Effective Heterogeneous Base Catalyst

The three-component reaction of malononitrile, aldehydes and thiourea/urea, is applied to the formation of pyrimidine derivatives. The reaction occurs at best in EtOH at reflux, in the presence of high surface area and nanosized MgO. This methodology is more convenient to compare with alternative ways because it needs shorter reaction times, allows straightforward product isolation, and provides higher yields.