The reaction of barbituric acid with formaldehyde at variable molar ratios was studied. The structure of the products was elucidated using H-1-NMR and IR spectroscopy as well as acidic number and formaldehyde percentage analysis. The products were potential substrates for the synthesis of linear and multifunctional polyetherols with a pyrimidine ring by reaction with oxiranes. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.