Preparation and cyclisation of some 3-aza-1,5-diketones

Abstract

The N-methyl, N-acetyl, and N-methoxycarbonyl derivatives of 2-(acetonylamino)acetophenone (I; R = H) have been prepared and conditions for their internal cyclisation studied. 2-(N-Acetonylbenzylamino)- and 2-(N-acetonylbenzamido)-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1 (2H)-ones (VII; R = CH₂Ph or Bz) have also been synthesised, and cyclised to tricyclic unsaturated ketones. The use of magnesium methyl carbonate appears to be of particular value in such condensations.