Rapid microwave-assisted solution phase synthesis of substituted 2-pyridone libraries

2-Pyridone and 2-quinolone analogues are well-known biologically active heterocyclic scaffolds. Libraries of 3,5,6-substituted 2-pyridone derivatives are generated by rapid microwave assisted solution phase methods using a one-pot, two-step protocol. The three-component condensation of CH-acidic carbonyl compounds, NN-dimethylformamide dimethylacetal and methylene active nitriles, leads to 2-pyridones and fused analogues in moderate to good overall yields and high purities. The proposed mechanism of this novel multicomponent reaction, structure elucidation of products and intermediates are discussed. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.