Synthesis of new β-trifluoromethyl containing GABA and β-fluoromethyl containing N-benzylpyrrolidinones

A whole series of 3-(mono-, di-, trifluoro)methyl-substituted N-benzylpyrrolidinones 5a–c was synthesized by deoxyfluorination of corresponding 3-functionalized N-benzylpyrrolidinones. New β-trifluoromethyl containing GABA 4a was obtained in two alternative ways: by successive hydrolysis and hydrogenolysis of 3-trifluoromethyl N-benzylpyrrolidinone 5a and from trifluoroacetone as starting compound.