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

摘要

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