An easy access to (S)-pyrrolidinones and -pyrrolidines from chiral benzylic malonates

Abstract

From chiral benzylic malonic acid esters (R)-(+)-4, available with high enantiomeric excesses by enzymatic hydrolysis (PLE acetonic powder), enantiomerically enriched pyrrolidinones 1 and pyrrolidines 2 were prepared. This rapid and competitive method was developed via enol ether formation, and subsequent one-pot cyclisation, in good overall yield.