Abstract: The present invention provides a novel process for preparing 1-methoxymethyl-5,5-diphenylbarbituric acid. In particular, the present invention provides a process for preparing 1-methoxymethyl-5,5-diphenylbarbituric acid by reacting 1,3-bis(methoxymethyl)-5,5-diphenylbarbituric acid with a Lewis acid to selectively remove one methoxymethyl group from 1,3-bis(methoxymethyl)-5,5-diphenylbarbituric acid.