CF₃S(O)_n-containing enaminones as precursors for the synthesis of pyrimidine-4(3H)-ones

Methyl 3-(dimethylamino) acrylates containing trifluoromethylsulfenyl-, trifluoromethylsulfinyl-, and trifluoromethylsulfonyl groups were synthesized and their utility demonstrated by reactions with aliphatic and aromatic amidines to produce 2,5-substituted 4(3H)-pyrimidones. Cyclization reactions of enaminones with urea or thiourea led to 5-substituted uracil or 2-thiouracil derivatives, respectively.