in an unambiguous manner from inosine (VII) by the method of Shaw. 7 Thus the hydrolysis product was identified as 1, l'-(dithiodiethy1ene) di-hypoxanthine (VI) and the tricyclic compound must be 7, B-dihydrothiazolo [2, 3-i] purine (IIl), resulting from cyclization at N1 of the purine ring. Raney nickel dethiolation of I11 itself was also difficult, but enough material was obtained to separate it from unchanged starting material by paper chromatography ...