Effect of π-Electron Delocalization on Tautomeric Equilibria – Benzoannulated 2-Phenacylpyridines

Most benzoannulated 2-methylpyridines react with phenyllithium and substituted alkyl benzoates to give the corresponding 2-phenacylpyridines. 3-Methylisoquinoline is transformed into 2-benzoyl-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1,2-dihydroisoquinoline under these conditions, but replacement of phenyllithium with lithium isopropylcyclohexylamide is effective for production of 3-phenacylisoquinolines. Except in the cases of some substituted 6-phenacylphenanthridines, tautomeric mixtures of benzoannulated 2-phenacylpyridines in chloroform solution always contain the ketimine forms.(Z)-2-(2-Hydroxy-2-phenylvinyl)pyridine (enolimine) forms also contribute if the pyridine ring is not benzoannulated or if such ann…