Ring transformation of 6-methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,3-oxazine-2,4-diones

Ring transformation of 6-methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,3-oxazine-2,4-dione (Ia) and its N-sub-stituted derivatives, such as 3-methyl (Ib), 3-ethyl (Ic), and 3-benzyl (Id) derivatives is described. Reaction of Ia with hydrazine hydrate gave 1-amino-6-methyluracil (II), while Id reacted with hydrazine hydrate to give 3-hydroxy-5-methylpyrazole (III). Reaction of Ia,b,d with ethyl acetoacetate in ethanol in the presence of sodium ethoxide afforded ethyl 3-acetyl-6-hydroxy-4-methyl-2(1H) pyridone-5-carboxylate derivatives (IVa,b,d). On the other hand, reaction of Ib,c,d with ethyl acetoacetate in tetrahydrofuran in the presence of sodium hydride did not give IV, but gave 3-acetyl-1-alkyl-5-(N-alkylcarbamoyl)-6-hydroxy4-methyl-2(1H) pyridone (VIb,c,d). Mechanisms for the formation of compounds IV and VI are discussed.