The reaction of ethyl 2-(2-oxo-3-indolinylidene)-2-hydroxyacetate with propionic anhydride and pyridine
Abstract
The condensation of ethyl 2-(2-oxo-3-indolinylidene)-2-hydroxyacetate (III) with propionic anhydride in the presence of pyridine results in the production of an insoluble red-brown pigment which has been characterised as 3,4-dimethyl-2,5-di-(2-oxo-N-propionyl-3-indolinylidene)-2,5-dihydrofuran (V). A possible mode of formation of the pigment is discussed.