| abstract |
Direct fluorination of uracil and its derivatives, in the presence of an aqueous solvent, by fluorine gas to produce 5-fluorouracil and 5-fluorouracil derivatives is disclosed. Novel compounds produced by the reaction, such as 5,5-difluoro-6-hydroxy-5,6-dihydrouracil are also disclosed. The derivatives of 5-fluorouracil are useful as germicidal agents while 5-fluorouracil itself is a known cancer chemotherapy agent. |