The title compound is prepared by alkylation of the (RS)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-oxo-pyrrolidine-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester with 5-fluoro-2-methylbenzyl bromide giving the (RS)-1-[4-(5-fluoro-2-methyl-benzyloxy)-phenyl]-5-oxo-pyrrolidine-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester as a white solid [71% of theory, MS: m/e=358 (M+H)+] which, thereupon, by treatment with methylamine in ethanol at 60° C. during 4 h yields the (RS)-1-[4-(5-fluoro-2-methyl-benzyloxy)-phenyl]-5-oxo-pyrrolidine-3-carboxylic acid methylamide. Yield: 53% of theory as a colorless solid. MS: m/e=357 (M+H)+.
