Strong Dimerization of Ureidopyrimidones via Quadruple Hydrogen Bonding

Abstract

6-Methyl-2-butylureidopyrimidone dimerizes via four hydrogen bonds in the solid state as well as in CHCl 3 solution via a donor−donor−acceptor−acceptor (DDAA) array of hydrogen bonding sites in the 4[1H]-pyrimidinone tautomer. An intramolecular hydrogen bond from the pyrimidine NH group to the urea oxygen atom preorganizes the molecules for dimerization. The dimerization constant of the dimer in CHCl 3 exceeds 10 6 M - 1 . In CHCl 3 containing DMSO, the dimer is in equilibrium with the monomeric 6[1H]-pyrimidinone tautomer. In 6-phenyl-2-butylureidopyrimidone, the 4[1H]-pyrimidinone tautomer coexists with the pyrimidin-4-ol form, which dimerizes with similar high dimerization constants via four hydrogen bonds in a DADA array. The latter tautomer predominates in derivatives with electronegative 6-substituents, like 6-nitrophenyl- and 6-trifluoromethyl-2-butylureidopyrimidone. Due to its simple preparation and high dimerization constant, the ureidopyrimidone functionality is a useful building block for supramolecular chemistry.