Asymmetric synthesis of 3-substituted pyrrolidones via α-alkylation of a chiral non-racemic γ-lactam

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0957-4166(98)00024-X

3-Alkyl pyrrolidones 9 were synthesized in good yield and high diastereoselectivity by α-alkylation of the new chiral non-racemic lactam 8 derived from (R)-(-)-phenylglycinol. After debenzylation and introduction of an electron-withdrawing group, 3-methylpyrrolidone 10 is easily hydrolyzed in a basic medium to produce γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogue 13.