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, N,N-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 multi-component reaction, structure elucidation of products and intermediates are discussed.