| Abstract: | An efficient, base-induced rearrangement of 2-[(1,2-dioxo-2-(methylamino)ethyl)phenylamino]benzoic acid methyl ester ( 7a ) to the isomeric 2-[(1,2-dioxo-2-(phenylamino)ethyl)methylamino]benzoic acid methyl ester ( 27a ) is described. This novel rearrangement must proceed through a spiro intermediate wherein benzoate is acting as a Michael receptor. When 2-[(1,2-dioxo-2-(methylamino)ethyl)methylamino]benzoic acid methyl ester ( 28 )-an oxamide which would produce a degenerate spiro intermediate — was subjected to rearrangement conditions, the product obtained was 1,3-dimethyl-2,4-(1H,3H)quinazolinedione ( 29 ). This latter transformation may have proceeded via a benzodiazepinetrione intermediate. |
