An efficient and environmentally benign synthesis of 5-methyl-3H-pyrrolo [2, 3-d] pyrimidin-4 (7H)-one is described. An acyl-protected aminoacetone is reacted with cyanoacetamide to give 2-amino-4-methyl-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxamide, which is converted in one-pot to 5-methyl- 3H-pyrrolo [2, 3-d] pyrimidin-4 (7H)-one in 60% overall yield. This process avoids the use of large excess Raney nickel which is required when known methods are practiced.
