Preparation of 1,2-disubstituted-3-hydroxy-4(1H)-quinolinones and the influence of substitution on the course of cyclization

Synthesis of 1,2-disubstituted-3-hydroxy-4(1H)-quinolinones by the cyclization of N-substituted phenacyl or acetonyl anthranilates is described. Two methods were employed for cyclization of anthranilates. Heating in polyphosphoric acid has a wide scope of applicability. The thermal cyclization in boiling N-methylpyrrolidone is limited by steric effect.