Potential wool growth inhibitors. Improved syntheses of mimosine and related 4(1H)-Pyridones

Abstract

Improved syntheses for DL-u-amino-β-(3-hydroxy-4-oxo-1,4-dihydro-l-pyridyl)propionic acid (DL- mimosine) and related 3-hydroxy-4(1H)-pyridones are described. The condensation of α, β -diamino- propionic acid with 4-pyrones involves preferential reaction at the β-amino group at pH > 12, obviating the necessity to mask the α-amino function during the syntheses.