Ampyzine

Ampyzine is a central nervous system stimulant.

Synthesis

 * Ampyzine-synthesis.svg

The classical method for synthesizing 2-aminopyrazines is illustrated by the synthesis of ampyzine. The condensation reaction between glyoxal and 2-aminomalonamide forms the pyrazine derivative (1). Acid-catalysed hydrolysis of the amide and decarboxylation gives 2-hydroxypyrazine (3). Halogenation with phosphorus pentachloride produces 2-chloropyrazine (4) which reacts with dimethylamine to yield ampyzine.