What Is 6-Methyl-2-(trifluoromethyl)pyrimidin-4(3H)-one?

6-Methyl-2-(trifluoromethyl)pyrimidin-4(3H)-one (Aladdin SKU M183192) is a fluorinated heterocyclic compound belonging to the pyrimidinone family. Its structure consists of a six-membered aromatic-like ring containing two nitrogen atoms, with a lactam-type carbonyl at the 4-position, a methyl group at the 6-position, and a trifluoromethyl (CF₃) group at the 2-position.

The trifluoromethyl group is a strongly electron-withdrawing substituent that profoundly alters the electronic distribution of the pyrimidine ring, increases metabolic stability relative to analogous methyl-bearing compounds, and can enhance membrane permeability—properties that make this compound particularly attractive as a building block in drug discovery and agrochemical programmes.

The compound exists in tautomeric equilibrium between its hydroxypyrimidine (enol) and pyrimidinone (keto/lactam) forms; the lactam tautomer is typically predominant in the solid state.

Chemical Properties and Structural Highlights

Tautomerism: Like many pyrimidinones, this compound can exist as a 4-hydroxypyrimidine (aromatic enol form) or as the 4-oxo lactam (3H tautomer). In solution the equilibrium position depends on solvent polarity and pH; researchers should consider this when designing reactions or interpreting spectral data.

Reactivity: The electron-deficient ring, activated by the CF₃ group, can undergo nucleophilic aromatic substitution under appropriate conditions. The lactam NH is weakly acidic and can be alkylated or acylated at nitrogen. The carbonyl oxygen may also participate in O-alkylation, potentially giving chloro- or alkoxy-pyrimidine products useful for further diversification.

Stability: The CF₃ group confers resistance to oxidative metabolism relative to a methyl analogue. The compound is expected to be stable under standard dry storage conditions, though prolonged exposure to strong aqueous base may hydrolyse the ring. Specific confirmed stability data should be verified against the product SDS and certificate of analysis provided by Aladdin Scientific.

Applications in Research and Synthesis

Medicinal Chemistry: Pyrimidinone scaffolds are privileged structures in drug discovery. The trifluoromethyl group at the 2-position increases lipophilicity and metabolic robustness, making 6-Methyl-2-(trifluoromethyl)pyrimidin-4(3H)-one a valuable intermediate for generating libraries of bioactive analogues. Researchers use such building blocks to investigate kinase inhibitors, antiviral agents, and other therapeutic targets.

Agrochemical Research: Fluorinated pyrimidines are well-established pharmacophores in crop-protection chemistry, appearing in herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. The CF₃-pyrimidinone core is a useful starting material for synthesising analogues with improved systemic activity and environmental stability.

Material Science and Coordination Chemistry: The nitrogen and carbonyl donor sites of the pyrimidinone ring can coordinate to metal centres, making this class of compound of potential interest in coordination chemistry and materials research.

Handling, Storage, and Safety Guidelines

General Handling: As with all fine chemical reagents, standard laboratory precautions should be observed. Work in a well-ventilated fume hood, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (lab coat, chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection), and avoid generating dust when weighing solid material.

Storage: Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry location away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidisers and strong bases. Refer to the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) available from Aladdin Scientific for specific storage temperature recommendations and hazard classifications. Specific confirmed storage conditions should be verified against the SDS.

Disposal: Dispose of waste material in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations governing fluorinated organic compounds. Do not pour down the drain without consulting applicable waste-disposal guidelines.

Note: Always consult the current SDS supplied with the product before first use. The information here is general guidance only.

Ordering and Availability from Aladdin Scientific

6-Methyl-2-(trifluoromethyl)pyrimidin-4(3H)-one is available from Aladdin Scientific under catalogue number M183192. To place an order or request a quotation, visit the Aladdin Scientific website or contact our customer service team directly. Bulk quantities may be available upon request; please enquire for lead times and pricing.

A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) confirming purity and analytical data (typically including NMR, HPLC, and/or mass spectrometry results) is available for each production lot. Contact Aladdin Scientific support to request the CoA for a specific lot number before or after purchase.

For questions regarding shipping conditions, regulatory documentation (e.g., export licences for certain jurisdictions), or technical specifications, please reach out to our customer service or technical support teams.