Synthesis of Amrinone,A Cardiotonic Agent

A new synthesis of amrinone, 1, from 5-(4-pyridinyl) ?2(1H)-pyridone, 5 , is reported. Nitration at C-3 of the pyridone ring of 5 followed by reduction afforded amrinone. Another synthetic route was also carried out by bromination at C-3 of the pyridone ring of 5 followed by substitution with sodium azide to give the corresponding azide compounds 8 which was reduced to amrinone.