Tellurides, diphenyl synthesis

An unusual synthesis of a pyrrolo[2,3- ]pyrimidine without a functional group is based on the reaction of benzonitrile with A-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. These two compounds, when heated in the presence of sodium telluride, give low yields of 2,4-diphenyl-7-methylpyrrolo[2,3- ]pyrimidine <93JOC24l>. The yields could not be improved, thereby limiting the usefulness of the method. 

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