Green and Efficient Synthesis of Novel Polysubstituted 2-Pyrrolidinones under Catalyst and Solvent-Free Conditions

An efficient and green synthesis of novel 2-pyrrolidinone analogs by the reaction of various primary amines, alkyl acetoacetates, and maleic anhydride via grinding and neat conditions at room temperature has been described with good to high yields (68–94%). Various spectroscopic methods have characterized all the synthesized products (1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS, FT-IR, and CHN analysis). This protocol has several benefits: mild reaction condition, catalyst-free, economy, environmental-friendly, short reaction times (≤ 25 min), good to high yields, and simple workup.