The transformation of purines into pteridines

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Abstract
2-Hydroxypurine reacts with l:2-dicarbonyl substances, such as glyoxal or glyoxylic acid, to give the corresponding pteridines in good yield. Guanine and hypoxanthine undergo similar transformations, but less readily. The evidence that naturally occurring pteridines arise from purines (or purine derivatives) is reviewed, and it is suggested that this reaction may regulate growth in certain circumstances.