Studies on methoxylation in the 7H-naphtho[1,2,3-I,j][2,7]naphthyridin-7-one system

Studies on methoxylation in the 7H-naphtho1,2,3-i,j]2,7]naphthyridin-7-one (sampangine) system represented by 3-bromo- and 4-bromosampangine as well as sampangine itself are described. We have found that regioselectivity of nucleophilic substitution in the sampangine system can be directed by reaction conditions. Under kinetic control (lower temperatures) substitution at C-4 is the predominant reaction, regardless of whether 3-bromo or 4-bromosampangine were used. At higher temperatures, when the reaction is thermodynamically controlled, substitution of the bromine atom at C-3 predominates. This is the first reported example of nucleophilic substitution in ring A of the 7H-naphtho1,2,3-i,j]2,7]naphthyridin-7-one system.