Structure of 5-Hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-4-pyridones

Abstract

Abstract 5-Hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-4-pyridone and its N-methyl, N-ethyl, and N-phenyl derivatives were prepared from kojic acid. The UV spectra in neutral, acid, and alkaline solutions showed that the neutral species and the conjugate acids existed in the pyridone and the pyridine form, respectively. The conjugate bases may exist in both forms. The acid dissociation constants and the halochromism have been measured and discussed.