Malonates in cyclocondensation reactions

Article abstract of DOI:10.3390/60400338

The use of malonates such as diethyl malonates 9, (chlorocarbonyl)ketenes 15 and bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl) malonates 18 as reagents for cyclocondensation with 1,3-dinucleophiles to give six-membered heterocycles is described. Further attempts to use malonates such as bis(trimethylsilyl) malonates 19 and bis(carbamimidoyl) malonates 29 as new cyclocondensation agents are described.

Full text of DOI:10.3390/60400338

Molecules 2001, 6, 338-352
molecules
ISSN 1420-3049
http://www.mdpi.org
Malonates in Cyclocondensation Reactions
Wolfgang Stadlbauer*, El-Sayed Badawey, Gerhard Hojas, Peter Roschger and Thomas Kappe
Department of Chemistry, Organic Synthesis Group, Karl-Franzens-University Graz, Heinrichstrasse
28, A-8010 Graz, Austria/Europe. Tel. ++49 316 380 5334, Fax ++49 316 9840
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; e-mail wolfgang.stadlbauer@uni-graz.at,
website: http://www-ang.uni-graz.at/~stadlbau.
Received: 21 December 2000; in revised form 7 March 2001 / Accepted: 8 March 2001 / Published:
31 March 2001
Abstract: The use of malonates such as diethyl malonates 9, (chlorocarbonyl)ketenes 15
and bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl) malonates 18 as reagents for cyclocondensation with 1,3-
dinucleophiles to give six-membered heterocycles is described. Further attempts to use
malonates such as bis(trimethylsilyl) malonates 19 and bis(carbamimidoyl) malonates 29 as
new cyclocondensation agents are described .
Keywords: ethyl malonates, (chlorocarbonyl)ketenes, bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl) malonates,
bis(trimethylsilyl) malonates, sixmembered heterocycles.
Introduction
2-Substituted malonic acid derivatives are known to be very useful reagents in the field of Organic
Synthesis. Besides the preparation of simple derivatives such as malonates or malonamides, malonic
acid derivatives 1 react by cyclocondensation with dinucleophiles such as 2 to afford 5-, 6- and 7-
membered rings and thus give a variety of so-called “malonyl heterocycles” which possess as
structural element a 1,3-dicarbonyl moiety 3 or its enolized tautomeric 1-oxo-3-hydroxy form 4
(Scheme 1).

Molecules 2001, 6
339
O
A
OH
R1
R3
R2
R1
R3
R2
B= C,
z= CH
O
O
A
O
X
R1
O
3a
R3
R2
4a
X
z
+
B
O
N
HA
- 2 HX
OH
R1
R3
R2
R1
R3
R2
N
N
1
2
O
A=NH,
B=C,
z=N
N
O
X = OR, Cl
B=C, N
A = O, NR, S
z = CH, N
3b
4b
O
R1
O
R3
R2
z
-
+
B
B, z = N
A
3c
Scheme 1
Rather unreactive malonyl derivatives such as 2-substituted diethyl malonates react at elevated
temperatures or in the presence of basic catalysts with sufficient reactive 1,3-dinucleophiles such as
amidines and amides. The classical reactions of this type are the well-known syntheses of barbituric
acids 6 [1] from malonates 5 and urea, and Tschitschibabin´s synthesis of “malonyl-α-aminopyridine”,
pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidine-2,4-dione 7 [2] from diethyl malonate 5 (R1 = H) and 2-aminopyridine
(Scheme 2).
O
R1
H
O
NH2
O
N
R1
O
O
H2N
R1
R1
N
H
6
O-Et
O-Et
O
N
NH2
O
R1= H
5
N
N
O
7
Scheme 2
The first part of this paper (Schemes 3-7) briefly reviews cyclocondensations with reaction paths
which are already known. As examples, reaction products are described, which are either new or have
not been obtained earlier in the method reported in this paper. The second part (Schemes 8-10)

Molecules 2001, 6
340
describes our attempts to introduce new cyclocondensation agents such as bis-silyl malonates, bis-
succinimidyl- and bis-carbamimidoyl malonates.
Results and Discussion
Pyrones and benzoanalogous coumarins (11, X = O) have been obtained from enols or phenols (8,
X = O) and 2-unsubstituted or 2-monosubstituted diethyl malonates (9), e.g. ref. [3, 4]. Pyridones and
benzoanalogous quinolones (11, X = NR) have been obtained from azomethines or anilines (8, X =
NR) and malonates (9), e.g. ref. [4, 5]. As an example procedure the synthesis of 4-hydroxy-7-
methoxy-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-coumarin (11a, R2-R3 = -CH=C(OMe)-CH=CH-, X = O, R1 = 4-MeO-
C6H4) from diethyl 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)malonate (9a, R1 = 4-MeO-C6H4) and 2-methoxyphenol (8a,
R2-R3 = -CH=C(OMe)-CH=CH-, X = O) is described in the experimental part (Scheme 3).
O
R1
O-Et
O-Et
O
(9)
> 200 °C
- EtOH
O
R1
O
C
OH
R3
R1
O
R3
R2
O-Et
(10)
R2
XH
MeO
OH
X
- EtOH
8
11
X = O, NR
R1 # H
O
O-Me
O-Me
OMe
OH
O
(9a)
O
MeO
Ph2O, 250 °C, 5 h
78%
MeO
O
8a
11a
Scheme 3
Reported procedures for compounds of type 11 involve multistep procedures (see e.g. ref. [6],
which describes the reaction of 8a with bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl) 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)malonate 18,
R1 = 4-MeO-C6H4). We were able to show that especially 2-arylmalonates 9 (R1 = Ph) provide at
reaction temperatures above 250oC good synthons for simple and quick cyclization reactions in good
to moderate yields [5] (probably via arylketene ester intermediates 10, R1 = Ph [7]). The only
disadvantage of this reaction sequence is its high reaction temperature, which prevents its use for
sensitive substrates and substituents. The ketene mechanism is also supported by observations obtained

Molecules 2001, 6
341
during the reaction: at temperatures below 200oC the first mole of alcohol is observed to be liberated
when the open chain ester or amide is formed, then it needs a temperature of more than 250oC to
liberate the second mole of alcohol and to form the ketene intermediate 10. Thermal investigations of
the thermolysis reaction of the phenol 8a and the malonate 9a by differential scanning calorimetry
(DSC) show, that at about 160oC a first exothermic reaction starts immediately after the endothermic
boiling point of the phenol 8a (in accordance with findings during the formation of malonamides),
then a weak exothermic reaction begins at about 240oC followed by a strong exothermic reaction
(onset 260oC). These data are in accordance with the observations obtained from the synthetic
experiments as described above.
Malonic acid derivatives 12 are not reactive enough to react with dinucleophiles 8. However, when
they are converted in situ with phosphoryl chloride [8] to the corresponding acid chlorides, they give
pyrones and pyridones 11 with dinucleophiles 8. As an example procedure the one step synthesis of 4-
hydroxy-1-phenyl-2-quinolone (11b) from malonic acid (12b, R1 = H), phosphoryl chloride and
diphenylamine (8b, R2-R3 = -CH=CH-CH=CH=, X = N-Ph) is described. The reported synthesis of
12b involves a 3-step procedure from malonates 9 (R1 = H) [3]. Although the yields are rather low (30-
50%), the quick and short pathway overcomes this disadvantage (Scheme 4).
O
R1
OH
OH
R3
R1
O
R3
R2
OH (12)
O
R2
XH
X
POCl3
X = O, NR
8
11
OH
O
OH
OH
N
O
NH
(12b)
O
POCl3, 1 h, 90 °C
55%
11b
8b
Scheme 4
Less reactive or sensitive substrates of type 2 require more reactive malonyl derivatives. Malonyl
dichlorides 14 already react at lower temperatures in aprotic solvents with dinucleophiles 13 to give
heterocycles 16 [9]. Above 80oC, malonyl dichlorides lose hydrogen chloride to form chlorocarbonyl
ketenes 15, which are more reactive than malonyl dichlorides 14 and react in the presence of bases
such as triethylamine with many substrates at room temperature [10]. As an example procedure, the
improved synthesis of 5-benzyl-2,3-diphenyl-6H-6-oxo-1,3-oxazin-3-ium-4-olate (16a, A = O, B = C,
z = N, R1 = CH2Ph, R2 = R3 = Ph), having a mesoionic betaine structure, is described (Scheme 5).

Molecules 2001, 6
342
Attempts to obtain 16a with other less reactive malonates gave only rearrangement products because
of the high temperature which was necessary for the cyclocondensation [11].
O
R1
Cl
Cl
O
(14)
O
R1
C
OH
A
R3
R1
O
R3
R2
Cl
z
(15)
O
z
B
B
R2
AH
13
16
A = O, NR, S
B = N, CR
z = O, NR
O
C
O
O
N+
NH
Cl
(15a)
O
O
EtOAc, NEt3, 40-50 °C,
30 min, 61%
O
13a
16a
Scheme 5
The most electrophilic malonic acid derivative has been found in carbon suboxide 17 [12], which
reacts with dinucleophiles 13 at low temperatures (-78oC) to give five- or six-membered malonyl
heterocycles 16 (Scheme 6). Its preparation is performed either by pyrolysis of diacetyl tartaric
anhydride, or from malonic acid 12b and phosphorus pentoxide, or from bis(trimethylsilyl) malonate
19b and phosphorus pentoxide [12].
O
OH
OH
O
(12b)
- 2 H2O
∆T
O
C
C
C O
OH
A
R3
R2
R1
O
R3
R2
(17)
z
z
B
B
AH
16
13
Scheme 6

Molecules 2001, 6
343
A large number of 1,3-dinucleophiles 13 has been reacted with bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl) malonates 18
(obtained from malonic acids 12 and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol) leading to six-membered malonyl
heterocycles [13]. Most of these condensations have been carried out thermally by fusion of 13 and 18
at 150 - 250oC in the melt; in some cases bromobenzene or diphenylether have been used as solvent.
N,N'-dinucleophiles 13 (A = z = NR) can also be reacted at room temperature. As an example
procedure, the synthesis of 5-benzyl-4-hydroxy-8,9,10,11-tetrahydro-pyrido[3,2,1:jk]carbazol-6-one
(16b) at 250 oC is described, which yields 16b in about 30% yield (Scheme 7). The reported synthesis
uses bis(2,4-dichlorophenyl) malonate [23], which is avoided nowadays because of synthetic and
health problems. Experiments with diethyl malonates 9 give only yields below 5%.
POCl3
+
Cl
Cl
O
R1
Cl
OH
Cl
OH
O
O
O
O
Cl
Cl
Cl
OH
12
R1
O
OH
Cl
(18)
R3
R1
O
R3
R2
Cl
z
z
B
Cl
Cl
R2
AH
B
A
Cl
OH
- 2
16
13
O
OH
N
OC6H2Cl3
OC6H2Cl3
O
O
H
N
(18a)
250 °C, 60 min, 30%
16b
13b
Scheme 7
The reactive malonate reagents, malonyl dichlorides 14, carbon suboxide 17 and bis(2,4,6-
trichlorophenyl) malonates 18 are very valuable reagents, but they are expensive and can be stored
only for a limited time without decomposition. Another aspect is that malonyl dichlorides 14 and
bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl) malonates 18 contain chlorine, an element of ill repute in Green Chemistry.
Consequently we made several attempts to replace these reagents with other reactive derivatives
without such disadvantages.
For this reason we have tried to prepare a new generation of reactive malonates such as
trimethylsilyl malonates and mixed anhydrides of malonates. As test substrates we have used aromatic
amines which have only weak basic nitrogens, with which suitably reactive malonates should readily
form malondianilides 20 or cyclization products at low temperatures.

Molecules 2001, 6
344
Bis(trimethylsilyl) malonates 19 have been prepared according to a reported method [14], by
reacting the appropriate malonic acid 12 with trimethylsilyl chloride in the presence of pyridine. The
spectroscopic data of 19 confirmed their structure. The known reaction of anilines with substituted
diethyl malonates 9 gives malondianilides at temperatures below 200oC, and 4-hydroxyquinolones
such as 11b are obtained at higher temperatures (Scheme 4). With bis(trimethylsilyl) 2-ethylmalonate
19b, a reaction occured at similar temperatures as observed with malonates 9, but the products were 2-
ethyl-N,N'-diphenylmalondiamide 20, obtained as a minor byproduct, together with butyranilide 21,
which is formed from 19b after a desilylation and decarboxylation step. 2-Cyanomethylbenzimidazole
22 was used as 1,3-dinucleophilic substrate for cyclocondensation with bis(trimethylsilyl) malonates
19. According to a previous investigation [15] the dinucleophile 22 reacts readily with reactive
bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl) malonates 18 in refluxing bromobenzene at 150oC to give pyrido[1,2-
a]benzimidazoles. The reaction of bis(trimethylsilyl) malonates 19 in refluxing bromobenzene,
however, gave only C-acylation to yield 2-(2,3-dihydro-1H-benzimidazol-2-yliden)-3-oxoalkane-
nitriles 23 without cyclization to the nitrogen (Scheme 8). Thus our experiments revealed that
bis(trimethylsilyl) malonates 19 are no substitutes for reactive malonyl reagents 14, 15, 17 and 18.
Their reactivity for synthetic purposes is too small and decomposition takes place already at rather low
reaction temperatures.
O
O
R1
Cl Si
R1
OH
OH
O
Si
pyridine, Et2O, 2 h,
20 °C, 40-70%
O
Si
O
O
R1
H
Et
12
b
c
R1
H
Et
19
a
b
N
H
N
C
N
NH2
22
R1 = Et
200 °C
8 h
150 °C, 4-6 h
35-53%
O
N
H
N
C
N
H
NH
O
N
H
R1
+
N
O
O
H
23 R1
21 (33%)
20 (7%)
H
a
b
Et
Scheme 8
Mixed anhydrides of malonic acid (12, R1 = H) with acetic acid have been used as in situ reagents
for reactive 1,3-dinucleophiles, however, the scope of this reaction has been found to be limited to a
small number of 1,3-dinucleophiles such as ureas [1]. With acetophenonaniles 24 the intermediate 4-
hydroxypyridones 25 formed react with excess malonic acid (12, R1 = H) to give pyrono-

Molecules 2001, 6
345
pyridinediones 26. As an example, the synthesis of 4-hydroxy-6,7-diphenyl-pyrano[3,2-c]pyridine-
2,5(6H)-dione (26a, R2 = H) is described. In order to obtain a more versatile reactive anhydride
reagent, we tried to synthesize a mixed anhydride 27 of malonic acid and carbonic acid by reaction of
malonic acids 12 with ethyl chloroformate in the presence of triethylamine at 0-5oC in
dichloromethane using a standard procedure for benzoyl malonates [16]. However, only 2-substituted
diethyl malonates 9 have been isolated, a result which is similar to the findings reported for the mixed
anhydrides of the half ester of malonic acids [17] (Scheme 9).
R2
N
OH
R2
O
R1
N
O
24
OH
OH
12
AcOH, Ac2O
R1 = H
80 °C, 3 h, 40-60%
O
25
O
O
Cl
OEt
OH
O
O
OH
R1
(12b)
O
O
OEt
AcOH, Ac2O
O
O
OEt
27
O
O
O
R2
- 2 CO2
OH
O
N
O
R1
OEt
OEt
O
26
9
Scheme 9
The reaction of succinimidyl- and O-acylurea esters is a well-known and widely used method for
acylations and condensations of carboxylic acids in peptide synthesis [18]. The preparation of
succinimidyl esters is in general mediated by the activation with N,N'-diisopropylcarbodiimide [18],
which should give as intermediate the bis(carbamimidoyl) malonates 29. Nucleophilic attack by N-
hydroxysuccinimide should give succinimidylates 28, and as byproduct N,N'-diisopropylurea. The

Molecules 2001, 6
346
succinimide-N-oxy group in succinimidylates is reported as a good leaving group in the reaction with
nucleophiles [18].
The reaction of malonic acids 12 with N-hydroxysuccinimide has been performed using a recently
successfully applied reaction sequence for alkanoic acids [19]. We used this procedure and dissolved
the appropriate malonic acid 12 in dry dichloromethane; then a small excess of N-hydroxysuccinimide
was added, the solution was cooled and a small excess of N,N'-diisopropylcarbodiimide was then
added. After a reaction time of 24 hours, the reaction mixture contained a large number of compounds.
The main product was N,N'-diisopropylurea, the other compounds were present in too small quantities
and they have not been isolated. Other solvents such as diethylether decreased the number of
compounds, however we were unable to isolate bis(succinimidoyl) malonates 28.
Similar reactive derivatives of carboxylic acids have been described in ref. [20]. We used the
reported procedure and reacted 2-benzylmalonic acid (12a) with N,N'-diisopropylcarbodiimide in
diethylether at 0oC for 2 hours and then removed the solvent. The resulting oil contained one new main
product, probably bis(carbamimidoyl) 2-benzylmalonate 29a as shown by NMR data, and some
byproducts in minor quantities. The crude oil was not further purified and reacted with aniline as an
example nucleophile in dioxane at room temperature. However, tlc analysis did not show any reaction,
which means that at low temperatures no reaction takes place between 29a and aniline (Scheme 10).
At higher temperatures only decomposition products have been observed.
O
O
R1
OH
N
N
O
N
C N
O
O
O
+
O
O
O
O
R1
N
OH
O
OH
12
O
28
OH
N
N
C N
O
O
N
O
O
O
R1
N
O
R1
H
N
NH2
H
O
N
H
N
H
O
N
R1 = CH2Ph, Ph
20
29
Scheme 10

Molecules 2001, 6
347
Conclusions
Derivatives of malonic acids have been shown to be versatile reagents, especially for the
preparation of heterocyclic ring systems. In many cases the use of cheap and easy obtainable diethyl
malonates 9 (Scheme 3) at high reaction temperatures has been shown to replace the more reactive
malonyl dichlorides 14, (chlorocarbonyl)ketenes 15, carbon suboxide 17 and bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)
malonates 18 (Schemes 5-7). However, for sensitive and less reactive substrates these reactive
derivatives 14, 15, 17 and 18 are of great importance. Experiments to substitute these reactive
derivatives by silyl esters 19 (Scheme 8), mixed anhydrides 27 (Scheme 9), bis(succinimidoyl)
malonates 28 (Scheme 10) or bis(carbamimidoyl) malonates 29 (Scheme 10) have been unsuccessful.
Experimental
General
Melting points were determined on a Gallenkamp Melting Point Apparatus, Mod. MFB-595 in open
capillary tubes. Calorimetric data were obtained on a Rheometric Scientific DSC-Plus instrument
equipped with V5.42 of the differential scanning calorimetry software. The differential scanning
calorimetry plots were recorded between 25 – 400oC, with a heating rate of 2-10oC/min, and 1.5-3 mg
1
compound in sealed aluminium crucibles (11 bar). The H-NMR spectra were recorded on a Varian
Gemini 200 instrument (200 MHz) or a Bruker AM 360 instrument (360 MHz). The 13C-NMR spectra
were recorded on a Bruker AM 360 instrument (90 MHz). Chemical shifts are reported in ppm from
internal tetramethylsilane standard and are given in δ-units. Infrared spectra were taken on a Perkin-
Elmer 298 spectrophotometer or a Galaxy Series FTIR 7000 in potassium bromide pellets. Elemental
analyses were performed on a Fisons elemental analyzer, Mod. EA 1108 and are within ±0.4 of the
theoretical percentages. Mass spectra were taken on a Finnigan 4000 (EI: 70 eV, CI: 120 eV,
methane). All reactions were monitored by thin layer chromatography (tlc) carried out on 0.2 mm
silica gel F-254 (Merck) plates using uv light (254 and 366 nm) for detection. Common reagent-grade
chemicals are either commercially available and were used without further purification or prepared by
standard literature procedures.
4-Hydroxy-7-methoxy-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-coumarin (11a).
A solution of dimethyl 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)malonate (9a) (23.8 g, 0.1 mol) and 3-methoxyphenol
(8a) (12.4 g, 0.1 mol) in diphenylether (20 g) was heated for 3 h to 200-250oC in a metal bath. During
this time methanol (about 5 mL) was liberated. When the liberation of methanol had stopped, the
reaction mixture was heated to an oil bath temperature of 300oC for 2 h; during this time further 4 mL
of methanol was liberated. After cooling, the reaction mixture was diluted with toluene (50 mL),
filtered by suction and washed with cyclohexane (100 mL). The yield was 24.3 g (78%), yellowish
prisms, mp 220.1-220.3oC (ethanol); lit. mp. 215-217oC [6]. Spectral data are identical with the
reported data in ref. [6]. Calorimetric data of the reaction mixture of 8a and 9a: b.p. onset 157.4oC,

Molecules 2001, 6
348
peak maximum 160.1oC, ∆H = 0.2 mcal/mg, 1. reaction onset at 161.7oC, peak maximum 172.6oC, ∆H
= -2.6 mcal/mg, 2. reaction onset at 240.5oC, peak maximum 267.2oC, ∆H = -2.3 mcal/mg, 3. reaction
onset at 281.5oC, peak maximum 310.2oC, ∆H = -7.8 mcal/mg.
4-Hydroxy-1-phenyl-2(1H)-quinolone (11b).
A suspension of diphenylamine (8b) (84.5 g, 0.5 mol) and malonic acid (12b) (72.8 g, 0.7 mol) in
phosphoryl chloride (183.6 g, 1.2 mol) was heated for 1 h to 90oC. Then the mixture was poured into
ice/water (1 L), the precipitate filtered, dissolved in 2 N sodium hydroxide solution and filtered again.
The solution was acidified with 2 N hydrochloric acid, filtered by suction, washed with water and
dried. The yield was 65.3 g (55%), yellowish prisms, mp 293oC (lit. mp 294.5-295.5oC [3]). Spectral
data are identical with the reported data in ref. [3].
5-Benzyl-2,3-diphenyl-6H-6-oxo-1,3-oxazin-3-ium-4-olate (16a).
a) 2-Benzyl-2-(chlorocarbonyl)ketene (15a): To a stirred solution of 2-benzylmalonic acid (12a,
R1 = CH2Ph) (39 g, 0.2 mol) in toluene (50 mL), thionyl chloride (59.5 g, 0.6 mol) was added
dropwise under a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was heated under nitrogen for 24 h under
reflux and then toluene and excess thionyl chloride was removed by distillation under reduced pressure
(60oC, 130 mm Hg). The residue was purified by distillation under reduced pressure (134-140oC, 15
mm Hg). The yield was 27.2 g (70%); lit. bp 110-112oC (1.5 mm Hg) [21].
b) 5-Benzyl-2,3-diphenyl-6H-6-oxo-1,3-oxazin-3-ium-4-olate (16a): To a solution of benzanilide
(13a) (5.9 g, 0.03 mol) in warm dry ethyl acetate (150 mL, 40-50oC) 2-benzyl-2-(chloro-
carbonyl)ketene (15a) (6.5 g, 0.033 mol) and dry triethylamine (4.5 mL) was added. The yellow
reaction mixture turned red and viscous and a small amount of a dark solid precipitated. The reaction
mixture was kept for 30 min at room temperature and then the precipitate was filtered off, the filtrate
taken to dryness under reduced pressure and triturated with xylene. The resulting precipitate was
filtered by suction and dried. The yield was 6.5 g (61%), yellow prisms, mp 160oC. Lit. mp. 161oC
[11]. Spectral data are identical with the reported data in ref. [11].
5-Benzyl-4-hydroxy-8,9,10,11-tetrahydro-pyrido[3,2,1:jk]carbazol-6-one (16b).
a) Bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl) 2-benzylmalonate (18a): A mixture of dry 2-benzylmalonic acid (12a,
R1 = CH2Ph) (97.1 g, 0.5 mol), 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (157.9 g, 0.8 mol) and phosphorylchloride (161
g, 1.05 mol) was heated under reflux until the evolution of HCl gas had stopped (about 6 h). The
reaction mixture was then poured onto crushed ice (1.5 l), filtered by suction, washed with ice-water,
dissolved in toluene (1 L) and washed with 5% sodium bicarbonate solution and water. After drying
with sodium sulfate, the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was triturated with
hexane, filtered and dried at room temperature in a desiccator. The yield was 111.4 g (50.4%), beige
prisms, mp 104oC (lit. mp 106-107oC [22]).

Molecules 2001, 6
349
b) 5-Benzyl-4-hydroxy-8,9,10,11-tetrahydro-pyrido[3,2,1:jk]carbazol-6-one (16b): A mixture of
1,2,3,4-tetrahydrocarbazole (13b) (3.75 g, 22 mmol) and bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl) 2-benzylmalonate
(18a, R1 = CH2Ph) (12.1 g, 22 mmol) was heated without solvent for 60 min to 250oC. The 2,4,6-
trichlorophenol vapors were removed via a funnel into the water pump. After cooling the dark reaction
mixture was washed with hexane until the product became semi-solid. Then the product was stirred
with 0.5 M sodium hydroxide solution (500 mL) overnight, filtered, the filtrate extracted with toluene
(2 x 100 mL) and then the aqueous phase acidified with conc. hydrochloric acid. The precipitate was
washed with water, recrystallized from glacial acetic acid/water and dried. The yield was 21.6 g (30%),
mp 240oC dec. (from glacial acetic acid/water). Lit. [23] mp. 240-245oC (dec.; no yield given); IR:
3100-2900 m, 1670 s, 1640 sh, 1610 s, 1545 s cm-1; 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ = 1.80-1.95 (t, J = 6 Hz, 4
H, 9-CH2, 10-CH2), 2.60 (t, J = 6 Hz, 2 H, 11-CH2), 2.80 (m, 2 H, 8-CH2), 3.50 (s, benzyl-CH2), 7.10-
7.60 (m, 6 H, 5 ArH, H-2), 7.70 (d, J = 6 Hz, 1 H, H-1), 8.00 (d, J = 6 Hz, 1 H, H-3), 11.1 (s, 1 H, OH).
Bis(trimethylsilyl) malonate (19a, R1 = H).
Malonic acid (12b, R1 = H) (10.4 g, 100 mmol) was reacted according to the procedure described in
ref. [14] with trimethylsilylchloride (21.7 g, 200 mmol) and worked up as described. The yield was
20.0 g (81%), yellowish oil, bp 102oC (15 mm Hg); lit. bp: 97oC (12 mm Hg) [14]. IR: 2960 s, 1720 s,
1
1410 w, 1340 m cm-1; H-NMR (CDCl3): δ = 0.35 (s, 18 H, 6 Me), 3.3 (s, 2 H, CH2). Analysis: for
C9H20O4Si2 (248.43) Calcd. C 43.51, H 8.11; Found C 43.30, H 8.29
Bis(trimethylsilyl) 2-ethylmalonate (19b, R1 = Et).
To a stirred suspension of 2-ethylmalonic acid (12c, R1 = Et) (13.2 g, 100 mmol) and pyridine (16
mL, 200 mmol) in dry diethylether (150 mL), trimethylsilylchloride (21.7 g, 200 mmol) was added
dropwise keeping the temperature at 0oC. Then the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature
for 2 h, hexane (200 mL) was added, and the separated salt was filtered off. The filtrate was distilled
under reduced pressure (105-115oC, 15 mm Hg). The yield was 20.1 g (73 %), yellowish oil, bp 112oC
1
(20 mm Hg). IR: 2985 s, 1720 s, 1460 w, 1350 m cm –1; H-NMR (CDCl3): δ = 0.35 (s, 18 H, 6 Me),
1.0 (t, 3 H, Me), 1.9 (m, 2 H, CH2), 3.2 (t, 1 H, CH); Analysis: for C11H24O4Si2 (276.48) Calcd. C
47.79, H 8.75; Found C 47.88, H 8.78
2-Ethyl-N,N'-diphenylmalondiamide (20) and N-phenylbutanamide (21).
A mixture of aniline (0.93 g, 10 mmol) and bis(trimethylsilyl) 2-ethylmalonate (19b, R1 = Et) (2.77
g, 10 mmol) was heated in an oil bath at 200oC for 8 h. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction
mixture was digested with ethanol and cooled to 5oC. The dianilide 20 precipitated and was filtered by
suction. The yield of 20 was 0.2 g (7 %), colorless prisms, mp 216-219oC (ethanol); tlc and spectral
data are identical with an authentic sample obtained from diethyl 2-ethylmalonate and aniline. The
filtrate was concentrated to 5 mL under reduced pressure and the residue treated with hexane. The
precipitate was filtered by suction to yield 0.5 g (31 %) of 21, mp 87-89oC (hexane); lit. mp. 91-92oC

Molecules 2001, 6
350
[25]; tlc and spectral data are identical with an authentic sample obtained from butanoic chloride and
aniline.
2-(2,3-Dihydro-1H-benzimidazol-2-yliden)-3-oxobutanenitrile (23a, R1 = H).
A solution of 2-cyanomethylbenzimidazole (22) (1.57 g, 10 mmol) and bis(trimethylsilyl) malonate
(19a, R1 = H) (2.62 g, 10.6 mmol) was refluxed in bromobenzene (50 mL) for 4-6 h during which the
product separated out. After cooling, the product was filtered and washed with benzene. The yield was
1.0 g (50 %), mp > 350oC (dimethylformamide). IR: 3300-2500 b, m, 2220 s, 1620 w, 1600 s, 1510 m,
1
1470 w cm-1; H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ = 2.20 (s, 3 H, Me), 7.20 and 7.50 (2 dd, 4 H, ArH), 13.1 (s,
NH); Analysis: for C11H9N3O (199.21) Calcd. C 66.32, H 4.55, N 21.09; Found C 65.97, H 4.66, N
20.86
2-(2,3-Dihydro-1H-benzimidazol-2-yliden)-3-oxohexanenitrile (23b, R1 = Et).
A solution of 2-cyanomethylbenzimidazole (22) (1.57g, 10 mmol) and bis(trimethylsilyl) 2-
ethylmalonate (19b, R1 = Et) (2.76 g, 10 mmol) was reacted and worked up as described for 23a. The
yield was 0.8 g (35%), mp 318-320oC (dimethylformamide). IR: 3600-2600 b, m, 2220 s, 1620 w,
1600 s, 1560 s, 1530 s cm-1; 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ = 0.95 (t, 3 H, Me), 1.60 (m, 2 H, CH2), 2.45 (t, 2
H, CH2CO), 7.20 and 7.50 (2 dd, J = 7 Hz, 4 H, ArH), 12.80 (s, b, 2 NH); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ =
13.0 (Me), 18.0 (CH2), 41.1 (CH2), 64.5 (=C-CN), 112.2 (C5 and C-6), 121.1 (CN), 123.2 (C4 and
C7), 130.9 (C3a and C7a), 151.0 (C2 of benzimidazole), 192 (CO); Analysis: for C13H13N3O (227.27)
Calcd. C 68.71, H 5.77, N 18.49; Found C 68.23, H 5.32, N 18.40
4-Hydroxy-6,7-diphenyl-pyrano[3,2-c]pyridine-2,5(6H)dione (26a, R2 = H).
A solution of malonic acid (12b, R1 = H) (104 g, 1 mol, well dried over potassium hydroxide) in
warm dry ethyl acetate (800 mL) was treated with acetic anhydride (190 mL, 2.0 mol) and N1,1-
diphenyl-1-ethanimine (24a, R2 = H) (98.0 g, 0.5 mol) and heated under reflux for 3 h by exclusion of
moisture. Strong stirring is necessary because sometimes the reaction product precipitated which
caused bumping of the boiling reaction mixture. After cooling the mixture was allowed to stand
several hours for crystallization and was then filtered by suction. The precipitate was triturated with
methanol (300 mL) for 3 h to remove impurities and filtered again to give a light yellow product which
was pure enough for synthetic purposes. The yield was 71 g (43%), beige prisms, mp. 294-296oC
(DMF), lit. mp. 293-296oC [24].
Bis(carbamimidoyl) 2-benzylmalonate (29a).
To a solution of 2-benzylmalonic acid (12a, R1 = CH2Ph) (1.95 g, 0.01 mol) in diethylether (50
mL) at 0oC, N,N'-diisopropylcarbodiimide (2.52 g, 0.2 mol) was added and stirred at this temperature
for 2 hours. The solvent was removed i.vac. and the oily residue washed with hexane and dried. The

Molecules 2001, 6
351
yield was 4.2 g of a yellow oil, which contained one new main product (shown by tlc analysis) besides
traces of 12a and N,N’-diisopropyl urea. The oil was used without further purification for reactions.
1H-NMR (DMSO-d6) of the crude product: δ = 0.7-0.9 (m, aliphatic H, solvent), 1.1-1.4 (m, Me of i-
propyl group), 3.1-3.3 (m, benzyl-CH2), 3.6-4.0 (m, i-propyl-CH, malonyl-CH), 7.1-7.4 (m, ArH), 8.8
(m, NH, OH).
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14 Schmidt, U., Schwochau, M. Syntheses with trimethylsilyl esters of acetoacetate and malonate. A
new way to diacylmethanes and diacylacetates. Monatsh. Chem. 1967, 98, 1492-1511.

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15 Rida, S. M., Soliman, F. S. G., Badawey, E. A. M., El-Ghazzawi, E., Kader, O., Kappe, Th.
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Sample Availability: Available from the authors.
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