Synthesis of 6-arylazo-substituted 5-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-4-pyridones and related compounds

5-Hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-4-pyridone ( 1 ) and 5-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-1-methyl-4-pyridone ( 2 ) reacted with arenediazonium salts to give 6-arylazo-substituted compounds 3a-d and 4a-d , respectively. Compounds 3a-d were methylated with diazomethane to afford 6-arylazo-2-hydroxymethyl-4,5-dimethoxypyridines 5a-d .