Straightforward and highly efficient catalyst-free one-step synthesis of 2-(purin-6-yl)acetoacetic acid ethyl esters, (purin-6-yl)acetates, and 6-methylpurines through S(N)Ar-based reactions of 6-halopurines with ethyl acetoacetate.

A novel approach to the synthesis of purines bearing functionalized carbon substituents or methyl in position 6 was developed. Under different reaction conditions, 6-halopurine derivatives could react with ethyl acetoacetate efficiently to yield 2-(purin-6-yl)acetoacetic acid ethyl esters, (purin-6-yl)acetates and 6-methylpurines respectively. No metal catalyst and ligand were required.