Isoindole derivatives from 2-isonicotinoyl-acetophenone with ammonia and its derivatives

2-Isonicotinoylacetophenone (1) reacts with aqueous ammonia in the presence of acid to produce the deep blue 3-(4-pyridyl)-1-[3-(4-pyridyl)-1H -1-isoindolylidenemethyl]-2H-isoindole which changed to the deep bluish green adduct showing the wavelength maximum at 744 nm by treating with methyl iodide. From the reaction of 1 and glycine or its methyl ester the red 3,3′-di-(4-pyridyl)-1,1′-vinylenebis(2H-2-isoindoleacetic acid) or its derivative were obtained respectively.