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 leuvlinic 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.