Patent ID: 6162914
Filing Date: 2000-12-19
Classification: C07D

Abstract:
A process for the reduction of pterins of the formula I ##STR5## wherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen, a C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 -alkyl group, a 1,2-dihydroxypropyl group), a residue of the formula II ##STR6## or a residue of the formula III ##STR7## and, R.sup.2 is hydrogen, a C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 -alkyl group or a 1,2-dihydroxypropyl group,whereby, when R.sup.2 is a 1,2-dihydroxypropyl group, R.sup.1 must be hydrogen or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 -alkyl group,by means of an alkali metal boron hydride in water to 5,6,7,8-tetrahydropterins of the general formula IV ##STR8## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 have the above given definitions,characterized in that the reduction is carried out in the presence of a catalytical amount of a water-soluble Pb(II)-salt.