Synthesis and Properties of Enamino Keto Amides of the 2,2-Dimethyl-2,3-dihydrobenzo[f]isoquinoline Series

6,6-Dimethyl-5,6-dihydrobenzo[ f ]pyrrolo[2,1- a ]isoquinoline-8,9-dione and its 1-(morpholine-4-carbonyl)-substituted analog reacted with ammonia, morpholine, aniline, and naphthalen-1-amine via opening of the dioxopyrrole ring to produce enamino keto amides. The reaction conditions depended on the nucleophile nature. Ammonia and morpholine readily reacted at 20°C, whereas the reaction with aromatic amines required heating in boiling glacial acetic acid.