Reaction of pentafluorobenzoylpyruvic acid with amines

Reactions of pentafluorobenzoylpyruvic acid with amines afford the respective enamines. The intramolecular cyclization of the latter results inN-substituted 4-quinolone-2-carboxylic acids. Ammonia and triethylamine favor the cyclization of pentafluorobenzoylpyruvic acid to 2-carboxychromone.