Synthesis of Mercaptopurine

IUPAC Name

3,7-dihydropurine-6-thione

Biosynthesis of Mercaptopurine

Uric acid (enol form) reacts with POCl₃ followed by aqueous KOH and then HI, hypoxanthine yield. Hypoxanthine then reacts with phosphorus pentasulphide in presence of tetraline at 200 degree celcius, Mercaptopurine obtained.

Therapeutic Uses of Mercaptopurine

Mercaptopurine can be used in the treatment of following diseases-
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Ulcerative colitis
Crohn’s disease