Synthesis of 1,4-dihydro-2-methyl-4-oxo-3-quinolineglyoxylic acid and related compounds

The synthesis of 1,4-dihydro-1-methoxy or ethyl -2-methyl-4-oxo-3-quinolineglyoxylic acid derivatives are described. α-Acetoxy-1,4-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-oxo-3-quinolineacetic acid esters ( 7a, 7a ), which are key intermediates, were prepared by catalytic hydrogenation of 2-acetoxy-3-acetyl-4-hydroxy-4-(2-nitrophenyl) crotonic acid lactone ( 6 ) in methanol or ethanol.