Organic Photochemical Reactions. XXX. Photoreactions of N,N-Dimethylpyruvamide in Methanol and Ethanol

The photoreactions of N,N-dimethylpyruvamide (DMPA) in methanol and ethanol were investigated. Irradiation of DMPA in methanol gave three products (3,5-dimethyl-4-oxazolidinone, 2-hydroxy-N-methyl-N-(methoxymethyl)propanamide, and 2,3-dihydroxy-2,3-dimethyl-N,N,N′-trimethyl-N′-(methoxymethyl)-butanediamide) in good yields. The product distribution was dependent on the concentration of DMPA and methanol. Similarly, irradiation of DMPA in ethanol gave three products (3,5-dimethyl-4-oxazolidinone, 2-hydroxy-N-methyl-N-(ethoxymethyl)propanamide, and 2,3-dihydroxy-2,3-dimethyl-N,N,N′-trimethyl-N′-(ethoxymethyl)butanediamide). The mechanism for the formation of these products is discussed.