It was found that the necessary paraxanthine (V) could be obtained in adequate amounts by the following eight-ster, process. Diethyl oxalate was converted by methylamine into N, N'- dimethyloxamide (I) in the manner described by Mrallach. 3~ 4 The amide reacted with phosphorus pentachloride to yield 1-methyl-5-chleroimidazole (11). This reaction has been described inadequately by Wal-
