Diene synthesis with 2-pyrones and 2-pyridones XIV. 1,4-Cycloadducts of 1-alkyl-2-pyridones with N-phenylmaleinimide and maleinimide

1-Alkyl-2-pyridones react with N-phenylmaleinimide and maleinimide stereoselectively via the scheme of the diene synthesis to give imides of 8-alkyl-8-azabicyclo[2.2.2]-4-octen-7-one-1,2-dioic acid. 3-Unsubstituted 2-pyridones form adducts with an endo configuration, whereas 1,3-dimethyl-2-pyridone gives an exo adduct under the same conditions. The endo- and exo-bridge adducts readily undergo retrograde diene disintegration on heating.