A Novel One-Pot Method for the Stereoselective Synthesis of Tetrahydropyrimidinones in a Low Melting Mixture.

A direct and metal free one-pot method has been developed for the stereoselective synthesis of tetrahydropyrimidinone derivatives from a vinyl arene and formaldehyde using a tartaric acid-dimethylurea (TA : DMU) melt as a green reaction medium. The substrate scope of this method is very general and the tetrahydropyrimidinone (THPM) derivatives are synthesized in good yields with a high degree of diastereoselectivity. In this reaction, the melt plays a triple role as the solvent, catalyst and reagent.