A DFT study for the formation of imidazo[1,2-c]pyrimidines through an intramolecular Michael addition

The formation of imidazo[1,2-c]pyrimidines through a ring closure of 2-(2-sulfonylimino-1,2-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl) acetamides has been studied using DFT methods. Analysis of the energy results for the cyclization step shows the demand of almost an acid catalyst, which increases the electrophilicity of the dihydropyrimidine moiety, in order to make feasible the intramolecular Michael addition. The substitution on both dihydropyrimidine and amide moieties has also an influence on the cyclization step.