An unexpected simple synthesis of N-substituted 2-acetoxy-5-arylpyrroles and their hydrolysis to 3 and 4-pyrrolin-2-ones

The unexpected synthesis of N-substituted 2-acetoxy-5-arylpyrroles, from the reaction of 3-aroyl-propionamides with a large excess of refluxing acetyl chloride, and their alkaline hydrolysis to 3- and 4-pyrrolin-2-ones, is described.