PRODUCTION OF 5-METHYL-N-(METHYL ARYL)-2-PYRROLIDONE, 5-METHYL-N-(METHYL CYCLOALKYL)-2-PYRROLIDONE AND 5-METHYL-N-ALKYL-2-PYRROLIDONE BY REDUCTIVE AMINATION OF LEVULINIC ACID ESTERS WITH CYANO COMPOUNDS

摘要

This invention relates to a process for producing 5-methyl-1-R-2- pyrrolidone or 5-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, wherein R is a hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl, by reductive amination of levulinic acid utilizing a metal catalyst, which may be optionally supported.