Synthesis of 5-substituted-3,3-dimethyl-2-pyrrolidinones: "Quat" chiral auxiliaries

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4039(94)85222-7

The synthesis of a series of chiral auxiliaries, 5-substituted-3,3-dimethyl-2-pyrrolidinones, "quats", from L-glutamic acid is described. Efficient regeneration of the chiral auxiliaries from their N-pivaloyl derivatives is readily achieved with LiOH in THF-water at 20°C.