Enamines, synthesis using microwave irradiation

Fewer procedures have been explored recently for the synthesis of simple six-membered heterocycles by microwave-assisted MCRs. Libraries of 3,5,6-trisubstituted 2-pyridones have been prepared by the rapid solution phase three-component condensation of CH-acidic carbonyl compounds 44, NJ -dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal 45 and methylene active nitriles 47 imder microwave irradiation [77]. In this one-pot, two-step process for the synthesis of simple pyridones, initial condensation between 44 and 45 under solvent-free conditions was facilitated in 5 -10 min at either ambient temperature or 100 ° C by microwave irradiation, depending upon the CH-acidic carbonyl compound 44 used, to give enamine intermediate 46 (Scheme 19). Addition of the nitrile 47 and catalytic piperidine, and irradiation at 100 °C for 5 min, gave a library of 2-pyridones 48 in reasonable overall yield and high individual purities. 

The widely employed Leimgruber-Batcho protocol for indole synthesis comprises two consecutive steps—the formation of enamines followed by a reductive cyclization. The formation of enamines (such as 14, Scheme 7) presumably required an initial deprotonation of the methyl ortho to the aromatic nitro-group by methoxide generated from DMF-DMA under elevated temperatures (overnight heating in DMF) [27]. The use of microwave irradiation at 180 °C allowed the reduction of the time of formation of enamines such as 14 from 22 h (at 110°C) to 4.5 h (and even to 40 min in several... 

The quinoline scaffold and derivatives occur in a large number of natural products and drug-like compounds. A method for microwave-assisted synthesis of 2-aminoquinolines has been described by Wilson et al. [62]. The process involves rapid microwave irradiation of secondary amines and aldehydes to form enamines, then addition of 2-azidobenzophenones with subsequent irradiation to produce the 2-aminoquinoline derivatives (Scheme 10.27). Purification of the products was accomplished in a streamlined manner by using solid-phase extraction techniques to produce the desired compounds in high yields and purity. Direct comparison of the reaction under thermal and microwave conditions, using identical stoichiometry and sealed reaction vessels, showed the latter resulted in improved yield. 

---