Abstract: A process is described for the production of 2-ethoxy-4,6-dihydroxypyrimidine or its alkali salt which is an important intermediate in the field of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. This compound can be produced using the process according to the invention in good yields and high purity by reacting an O-ethylisourea salt that is preferably formed as an intermediate from cyanamide or chloroformamidinium salts or free O-ethylisourea with an alcoholate and a malonic acid dialkyl ester or a salt of the malonic acid dialkyl ester in alcohol and, if desired, subsequent acidification.

Abstract: A curing agent for the production of low gloss powder coatings based on epoxy resins consists essentially of a mixture of the components a) 2-imidazoline derivative having a melting point of >60.degree. C. and b) cyanuric acid as well as, if desired, anticaking agents or/and stabilizers. The low gloss powder coatings produced with these curing agents have the desired low degrees of gloss and good adhesive strengths, they form smooth and uniform surfaces and show no signs of yellowing even after long stoving times.