[Reactions and syntheses of pyrazines]

This review deals with syntheses and reactions of pyrazines, especially, of 2,5-disubstituted pyrazines. The description was made in due to order of 1) synthesis and properties of 2,5-disubstituted pyrazines, 2) synthesis of 2,5-disubstituted pyrazine N-oxides, 3) synthesis of pyrazinols, 4) synthesis and utilization of pyrazinethiols; preparation of aldehydes, utilization as an acyl carrier, and preparation of olefins via the elimination of pyrazinylsulfinyl group, 5) synthesis of aminopyrazines, 6) synthesis of azidopyrazines and their transformation to imidazoles, 7) palladium-catalyzed reactions of chloropyrazines; dechlorination, introduction of cyano, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkyl, and aryl groups to the pyrazine ring. The cross-coupling of chloropyrazines with aromatic heterocycles such as furan, thiophene, pyrroles, indoles, benzo[b]furan, benzo[b]thiophene, oxazole, thiazole, benz[b]oxazole, and benzo[b]thiazole is also described.