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-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 aryl or alkyl cyano compounds utilizing a metal catalyst, which is optionally supported.