PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF 4-HYDROXY-2-OXOPYRROLIDIN-1-YL-ACETAMIDE

摘要

A process is disclosed for the production of 4hydroxy-2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl-acetamide, which is a cerebrally active pharmaceutical agent. A 4-halo-3-alkoxy-butenoic acid ester is reacted with glycine to form a novel intermediate product of the formula: (II) wherein R represents lower alkyl. The compound II is subjected to acid hydrolysis of the alkoxy group, subsequent hydrogenation, esterification of the carboxyl function and finally conversion to the desired end product by reaction with ammonia.