Synthesis of Pyridazinone Derivatives

The reaction of methyl esters of 3-methyl-2-oxo- and 2-oxo-3-phenyl-3-pentenoic acids with hydrazine hydrate and phenylhydrazine was used to synthesize new pyridazinone derivatives. These products are formed through intermediate hydrazides with subsequent cyclization. 4-Hydroxy-3-oxotetrahydropyridazines are mainly formed using equimolar amounts of the starting reagents, while the corresponding hydrazones of 3,4-dioxohexahydropyridazines are formed in the case of a two-fold excess of hydrazine hydrate or phenylhydrazine. Evidence was obtained indicating the existence of a keto–enol tautomerism for 4-hydroxy-3-oxopyridazines.