Green and Efficient Synthesis of Novel Polysubstituted 2-Pyrrolidinones under Catalyst and Solvent-Free Conditions

Abstract

An efficient and green synthesis of novel 2-pyrrolidinone analogs by the reaction of various primary amines, alkyl acetoacetates, and maleic anhydride via grinding and neat conditions at room temperature has been described with good to high yields (68–94%). Various spectroscopic methods have characterized all the synthesized products (¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, MS, FT-IR, and CHN analysis). This protocol has several benefits: mild reaction condition, catalyst-free, economy, environmental-friendly, short reaction times (≤ 25 min), good to high yields, and simple workup.

Keywords:

• 2-Pyrrolidinones
• primary amines
• maleic anhydride
• alkyl acetoacetate
• multicomponent reactions

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the partial support of this study by the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad Research Council and Birjand University Research Council.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad Research Council and Birjand University Research Council.