Unexpected alkylation reaction of amines, acids and phenols by alkyl (triphenylphosphoranylidene)acetates

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4039(96)00007-X

Reaction of methyl (triphenylphosphoranylidene)acetate in methanol with primary and secondary amines led to N-methylated derivatives. Similarly this mixture reacted with acids, phenol and phthalimide to afford methyl esters, anisole and N-methylphthalimide respectively. Treatment of ketolactam 2 by this mixture under high pressure activation gave the rearranged quinolinone 5.