a simple and efficient method for the preparation of the title compoun
ds is described from cyanoacetamides and 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-butanone
in the presence of sodium ethylate at room temperature. The 3-carboxa
mido-N-alkyl-4,5,5-trimethyl-5-dihy dro-2H-pyrrol-2-ones lead to unsat
urated derivatives by condensation with aldehydes, while hydrogenation
give rise to the corresponding pyrrolidin-2-ones.