A new method for the synthesis of N3-alkylated analogs of 5-fluorouracil.

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is converted to the adducts 1a,b then subjected to Mitsunobu reaction with the secondary alcohols to give the condensates 2a,b. Hydrogenation of 2a,b with Pd/C affords N3-alkyl-5-fluorouracil 3a,b.