The reformatsky reaction of 1-aryl-2(1H)pyrimidinones

1-Aryl-2(1H)pyrimidinones I reacted with α-haloesters in the presence of zinc to give mainly 3,4-dihydro-4-alkoxycarbonylmethyl-1-aryl-2(1H)pyrimidinones IV in addition to the minor products of 3,6-dihydro-6-alkoxycarbonylmethyl-1-aryl-2(1H)pyrimidinones V. Further, 3,4-dihydro derivatives IVa-c were successfully converted into the corresponding exomethylene compounds Vla-c in high yields.