New strategies for the synthesis of pyrimidine derivatives.

Recent advances in pyrimidine synthesis are described. Modification of conventional strategies involving N-C-N fragment condensation with 1,3-dicarbonyl derivatives remains a common theme in current literature. Other methods, including N-C fragment condensation strategies, provide reactive intermediates capable of intramolecular cyclization and formation of pyrimidine derivatives. These recently developed methodologies offer a valuable addendum to azaheterocycle synthesis.