Methyl iodide → 3-Methoxy-1-methylpyridin-2-one

Participants

Reaction Steps

A mixture of 3-methoxy-2(1H)-pyridone (25 g., 0.2 moles), potassium hydroxide (16 g., 0.24 moles) and methyl iodide (45.4 g., 0.32 moles) in 400 ml. methanol is heated at reflux for 5 hours. The methanol is removed under reduced pressure leaving a solid redidue which is extracted with methylene chloride. The methylene chloride extracts are washed with water, a saturated salt solution, and dried over sodium sulfate. Evaporation of the dried extracts, under reduced pressure, affords 1-methyl-3-methoxy-2(1H)-pyridone as a colorless oil which solidifies on standing (26.2 g., 94%). The pyridone is very hygroscopic and rapidly liquifies on exposure to air.

Provenance & Evidence