Processes for making and using alkylaminoarylcarbonyl compounds

A method of making an alkylaminoarylcarbonyl compound having Formula I: wherein R is an alkyl group; A is an aryl (including heteroaryl) ring; each R' is independently an alkyl group which may form a ring with Z or Z'; p is 0, 1, 2, or 3; each Z, Z', and Y is independently hydrogen or a substituent; and n is 0, 1, or 2; comprising: (a) blocking the carbonyl function of an aminoarylcarbonyl compound via condensation with an active methylene compound (b) alkylating this blocked amniocarbonyl compound via reductive alkylation with an alkyl or aryl (including heteroaryl) carbonyl compound, and (c) deblocking of the blocked alkylaminoarylcarbonyl compound via base hydrolysis to regenerate the carbonyl function and give the desired alkylaminocarbonyl compound.