On the reaction of Acridine with Methyl Ketones

Acridine (I) forms a structurally unknown addition compound (II) with ammonium thiocyanate. (II) forms 9-acridyl methyl ketone by reaction with methyl ketone. The reaction of (II) with acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, and acetophenone respectively produces 9-acridylacetone, 9-acridylmethyl ethyl ketone, 9-acridylmethyl isobutyl ketone, and 9-phenacylacridine. Diethyl ketone and diisobutyl ketone failed to undergo this reaction.