3-hydroxy-N-methylpyrrolidone and use as transdermal enhancer

摘要

The novel compound, 3-hydroxy-N-methylpyrrolidone, is effective as a transdermal enhancer for the absorption of drugs through the skin of humans and animals. The 3-hydroxy-N-methylpyrrolidone is prepared from delta-butyrolactone which is converted to methyl 2,4-dibromobutyrate, this intermediate is reacted with methylamine to form N-methyl-2,4-dibromobutyramide, this intermediate is converted to 3-bromo-N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone by ring closure, and the 3-bromo-N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone is reacted with an alkaline earth metal carbonate or alkaline metal carbonate to form 3-hydroxy-N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone.