Synthesis of novel 1,7‐naphthyridines by Friedländer condensation of pyridine substrates

The general ability of appropriate pyridyl compounds (aldehyde or ketone) to undergo Friedländer condensation to give different 1,7‐naphthyridines has been demonstrated. 2,4‐Disubstituted 1,7‐naphthyridine 8 was prepared from 3‐amino‐4‐acetylpyridine ( 6 ) and ketone 4 (82%). The Friedländer self‐condensation of pyridyl substrate 6 is reported, as well. The dimer product, 2‐(3‐aminopyridin‐4‐yl)‐4‐methyl‐1,7‐naphthyridine ( 7 ), was obtained in 97% yield. 2‐Aryl‐ and 2,3‐diaryl‐1,7‐naphthyridines ( 16 , 17 , 18 ) were prepared from 3‐aminoisonicotinaldehyde ( 13 ) and arylketones 4 , 14 , and 15 (28–71%). The key substrates 6 and 13 are readily available via the improved pyridine nitration method. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).