Heterocyclic 5-amino uracil derivatives were prepared by catalytic amination of 1,3-dibenzyl-5-iodouracil using (CuOTf)(2). PhH, 1,10-phenanthroline, dibenzylidene acetone, and Cs2CO3 as base in xylenes at 95 degreesC. Imidazole and 2-amino thiazoline were problematic using the Cu catalyst, but were effectively coupled using Ni(COD)(2), dppf, and (NaOBu)-O-t in toluene at 100 degreesC. These are the first examples of catalytic amination with a uracil substrate. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.