Synthesis of some novel thiocyanotopurine derivatives and investigation of their antimicrobial activity and DNA interactions

Direct Sulfenylation of the Purine C8-H Bond with Thiophenols

The one-step copper-mediated regioselective formation of the C₈-S bond for purine derivatives with arylthiols was achieved using air as the green oxidant in the presence of 1.0 equiv of Na₂CO₃ and stoichiometric CuCl and 1,10-phenanthroline monohydrate. This method provides an economical, easy-to-handle, and effective method for the synthesis of 8-sulfenylpurine derivatives in moderate to excellent yields. The reaction is selective for C8 over C2 and C6. It also tolerates a free amine on the purine, and it has a wide substrate scope.