Production of 5-methyl-N-aryl-2-pyrrolidone and 5-methyl-N-cycloalkyl-2-pyrrolidone by reductive amination of levulinic acid with aryl amines

摘要

This invention relates to a process for producing 5-methyl-N-aryl-2-pyrrolidone and 5-methyl-N-cycloalkyl-2-pyrrolidone by reductive amination of levulinic acid or its derivatives with aryl amines, ammonia or ammonium hydroxide utilizing a metal catalyst, which is optionally supported.