Synthesis of new polyfunctional 2-pyrrolidinones from methyl 2-(carboethoxyhydroxymethyl)acrylate

The synthesis of new polyfunctional 2-pyrrolidinone derivatives from methyl 2-(carboethoxyhydroxymethyl)acrylate is described. These alkenes present an extremely high reactivity upon Michael addition with primary amines leading to a simple, mild, and efficient route to the preparation of new polyfunctional pyrrolidinones.