Alkylation of 3,5-dichloro-2(1H)-pyrazinones using malonate esters

An efficient base-promoted 3-alkylation of 3,5-dichloro-2(1H)-pyrazinones with various malonate esters is described. The method constitutes a simple example of a C–C bond forming process at the 3-position of the pyrazinone core allowing to attain 3-substituted pyrazinones in good to high yields. 3-Alkylation of 3,5-dichloro-2(1H)-pyrazinones with acetoacetic ester was accompanied by further retro-Claisen fragmentation.