Heterocycles in organic synthesis. Part 23. 1-Amino-4,6-diphenyl-2-pyridone: a new reagent for the conversion of aldehydes into nitriles

Abstract

The title compound (9) with aldehydes yields imines which are smoothly pyrolysed in high yield to nitriles. Orthoformates react with (9) to give the corresponding ethers which thermolyse mainly by alkyl-transfer or alpha-elimination. Acylation of (9) gives the acylamino-derivatives which on heating form the corresponding isocyanates in 85–95% yield.