SYNTHESIS OF (S)-a-ETHYL-2-OXO-1-PYRROLIDINEACETAMIDE

摘要

The invention is directed to an improved method of producing (S)-a-ethyl-2- oxo-1-pyrrolidineacetamide (also known as levetiracetam) from (S)-a-ethyl-2-oxo-l- pyrrolidineacetic acid (levo acid) in which (S)-a-ethyl-2-oxo-l-pyrrolidineacetic acid (levo acid) is contacted with di-tert-butyl dicarbonate, ammonium bicarbonate and pyridine in a solvent such as acetonitrile to yield levetiracetam.