Heterocycles from substituted amides. VI. A new carbostyril synthesis from alpha‐substituted acetamides and the vilsmeier reagent

Reaction of tertiary α-substituted acetanilides with Vilsmeier reagent has been found to give 1,3-disubstituted-carbostyrils, 1. α-Chloro-N-(1-cyclohexen-1-yl) acetamides are similarly converted to tetrahydro carbostyrils 2 and 3. The method appears useful for the preparation of a variety of 1,3-substituted 2(1H) quinolinones. The scope and mechanism of the reaction has been investigated, with evidence presented to indicate the ring-closure proceeds via electrophilic attack of Vilsmeier reagent on intermediate chlorenamine.