Anhydrides Vilsmeier-Haack reaction

Performing a Vilsmeier-Haack reaction on 3-benzoyloxy-2-methyl-quinazolin-4-one (184) afforded the isoxazolo[3,2- ]quinazolinone (185) [86IJC(B)709]. This ring system (187) was also synthesized by cyclocondensation of anthranilic acids or isatoic anhydrides with the isoxazolin-3-ones (186) (77AF766 83MIP1), or by condensation of methyl anthrani-late with 3-chloropropanoyl chloride followed by cyclization with hydroxylamine hydrochloride (77AF766). 

Thenaldehyde (thiophene-2-carbaldehyde) is readily available via the Vilsmeier-Haack reaction of DMF with thiophene catalyzed by phosphorus oxychloride. The Sommelet reaction with 2-chloromethylthiophene also gives reasonable yields (63AHC(l)l). Likewise, thiophene is readily acylated with acyl anhydrides or acid chlorides (equation 14), using mild Friedel-Crafts catalysts, such as tin(IV) chloride, zinc chloride, boron trifluoride, titanium tetrachloride, mercury(II) chloride, iodine and even silica-alumina gels or low-calcium-content montmorillonite clays (52HC(3)l). 

As is the case with pyrroles, C-alkylation of indoles results in mixtures of products. Formylation and acylation, however, occur more readily. The Vilsmeier-Haack reaction furnishes indole-3-carbaldehyde heating with acetic anhydride produces 3-acetylindole. In the Houben-Hoesch acylation, substitution takes place in the 3-position. 

Numerous examples of acylation at C-3 have appeared. Reactions have been carried out with acid anhydrides <92CPB631>, acid halides <86CPB2833, 85MI 8l0-0i>, aryl sulfonyl chlorides <93JMC1425> and under Vilsmeier-Haack conditions <93H(35)915>. Yields were generally better, and the required conditions milder, when C-2 carried an electron-releasing group. No reaction occurred when ethyl 2-pyrazolo[l,5-a]pyridinecarboxylate was heated with benzoyl chloride <93H(35)915>. 

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