Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of Some 3-Hydroxyquinolones

A reductive decarboxylation of 7-chloro-1-ethyl-6-fluoro-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (Id) with sodium borohydride provided the respective 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro derivative Va, which was treated with selenium dioxide to give product of dehydrogenation VIa. 3-Acetyl-1-ethyl-1,4-dihydroquinolin-4-ones VIb and VIc were oxidized with 3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid to the respective 3-hydroxyderivatives IIIa and IIIb. Compound IIIb was benzylated on a hydroxy group at position 3 to corresponding 3-benzyloxy derivative VIf which after prolonged heating with N-methylpiperazine in a sealed tube provided directly 3-hydroxy-7-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl) derivative IIIc.