Efficient synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2-ones in low melting tartaric acid–urea mixtures

A general, efficient and green method for the synthesis of dihydropyrimidinones is described under mild conditions employing low melting mixtures of L-(+)-tartaric acid and urea derivatives as a novel reaction medium. The melt plays a triple role: as solvent, as catalyst and as reactant, furnishing highly functionalized dihydropyrimidinones in good to excellent yields. © 2011 The Royal Society of Chemistry.