A simple synthesis of novel 2-pyridones from chalcones

Several novel 2-pyridones were synthesized in good yields from a simple one-pot reaction by the condensation of different substituted chalcones and malonamide using sodium ethoxide in ethanol at room temperature. The structures of these 2-pyridones were elucidated from their ¹H, ¹³C and infrared spectral data as well as their elemental analysis. Different 2-pyridones tautomers were obtained as the solvent of crystallization changes.