Synthesis of 2-pyridone derivatives via regioselective O-allylic substitution reaction

A method of organocatalytic synthesis of 2-pyridone derivatives has been reported. Using N-substituted 3-hydroxy-2-pyridones and Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) carbonates as raw materials, a series of multifunctional molecules featuring a 2-pyridone moiety were rapidly constructed in 51%−91% yields through nucleophilic amine-catalyzed regioselective O-allylic substitution reaction. Functionalization of OH group on N-substituted 3-hydroxy-2-pyridone compounds could be smoothly realized under the current reaction conditions.