Abstract: | A range of N-alkyl-2,6-dimethyl-4-oxopyridine-3-carboxylic acids XV have been prepared via reactions of primary alkyl amines with differing 2,6-dimethyl-4-oxopyran-3-carboxylate esters IX . The quantity of desired product formed and the character of by-products formed are determined by the natures of the amine and ester IX respectively. X-ray crystallography data for the N-ethyl analogue of XV indicates very strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding to be present, with the heterocyclic ring exhibiting considerable aromaticity. |