SYNTHESIS OF N-SUBSTITUTED 3-HYDROXY-2-METHYL-4-PYRIDONES AND 3-HYDROXY-2-METHYL-4-PYRIDONIMINES

Carbohydrates with 1,4 glycosidic bonds like maltose, lactose, dextrin or starch react with primary amines as well as amino acids or protein s to give i.e. 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyridones 5 and 3-hydroxy-2-methyl -4-pyridonimines 7. A generally applicable synthesis of compounds of t his type is described. The pyridones S and pyridonimines 7 are strongl y complexing agents. Molybdenum-derivatives, for instance, are suitabl e as fairly stable oxidation catalysts.