Dimethyl Sulfate → 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyrrolidin-2-one

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

A mixture of 4-phenyl-pyrrolidin-2-one (32.2 g; 0.2 mole), dimethyl sulfate (37.8 g; 0.3 mole), tetrabutyl ammonium hydrogensulfate (3.4 g; 0.01 mole), 50% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (100 ml) and toluene (200 ml) is stirred at 36° C. for 5 hrs. After cooling, the aqueous phase is decanted, extracted with methylene chloride, and combined with the toluene phase. The organic phase is washed with water, dried and evaporated. The residue is distilled: b.p.0.2 mm Hg =120° C. Yield: 79%.

Provenance & Evidence