Synthesis of 6-amino and 6-ethoxy-2(1H)-pyridone derivatives

An efficient route allowing the synthesis of 6-amino and 6-ethoxy-2(1H)-pyridone derivatives by reaction of ethyl cyanoacetimidate, ethyl ethoxycarbonylacetimidate and related acetamidines with diethyl ethoxymeth-ylenemalonate (EMME) is reported. The formation of dienamino derivatives as intermediates and their heterocyclization to the 2(1H)-pyridone derivatives is described.