Abstract: Process for the preparation of (S)-(?)-?-ethyl-2-oxo-1-pyrrolidineacetamide of Formula (I), comprising the steps of (i) resolution of racemic 2-amino butynamide with L-(+)-tartaric acid either in alcoholic solvents like methanol, isopropanol, ethanol or in water or mixture of water-alcohol to provide (S)-(+)-2-amino butynamide tartarate salt; and ii) direct conversion of (S)-(+)-2-amino butynamide tartarate salt and 4-halobutryl chloride in presence of inorganic or organic base in suitable solvent and drying agents yielded the desired (S)-(?)-?-ethyl-2-oxo-1-pyrrolidineacetamide (I). Further (S)-(+)-2-amino butynamide tartarate salt is converted to (S)-(+)-2-amino butynamide hydrochloride salt, by reacting with an inorganic or organic base in a suitable solvent followed by reaction with HCl gas in an appropriate solvent.