New routes for the synthesis of 3- and 5-substituted 2(1H)-pyrazinones

Various 3-(hetero)aryl, 3-alkyl and 3-alkenyl-2(1H)-pyrazinones were prepared by applying the Suzuki and Heck reaction methodology to 3,5-dichloro-2(1H)-pyrazinones. Furthermore, following hydrogenolysis of the 5-chloro substituent and regioselective 5-bromination, this palladium-catalysed cross-coupling approach could be extended to the synthesis of the analogous 5-substituted 2(1H)-pyrazinones. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.