Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for microwave assisted synthesis of N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP). Particularly the process relates to the synthesis of N-methyl succinimide or corresponding analogues by using microwave irradiation which on hydrogenation in the presence of a hydrogenating catalyst gives N-methyl pyrrolidone. Compared to the conventional heating microwave process requires less energy inputs and reduces the reaction time drastically from 5-6 h to 2-5 min.

Abstract: Catalysts prepared from abundant, cost effective metals, such as cobalt, nickel, chromium, manganese, iron, and copper, and containing one or more neutrally charged ligands (e.g., monodentate, bidentate, and/or polydentate ligands) and methods of making and using thereof are described herein. Exemplary ligands include, but are not limited to, phosphine ligands, nitrogen-based ligands, sulfur-based ligands, and/or arsenic-based ligands. In some embodiments, the catalyst is a cobalt-based catalyst or a nickel-based catalyst. The catalysts described herein are stable and active at neutral pH and in a wide range of buffers that are both weak and strong proton acceptors. While its activity is slightly lower than state of the art cobalt-based water oxidation catalysts under some conditions, it is capable of sustaining electrolysis at high applied potentials without a significant degradation in catalytic current. This enhanced robustness gives it an advantage in industrial and large-scale water electrolysis schemes.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of processing an initial di-carbonyl compound by conversion to a cyclic compound. The cyclic compound is reacted with an alkylating agent to form a derivative having an alkylated ring nitrogen. The invention encompasses a method of producing an N-alkyl product. Ammonia content of a solution is adjusted to produce a ratio of ammonia to di-carboxylate compound of from about 1:1 to about 1.5:1. An alkylating agent is added and the initial compound is alkylated and cyclized. The invention includes methods of making N-methyl pyrrolidinone (NMP). Aqueous ammonia and succinate is introduced into a vessel and ammonia is adjusted to provide a ratio of ammonia to succinate of less than 2:1. A methylating agent is reacted with succinate at a temperature of from greater than 100° C. to about 400° C. to produce N-methyl succinimide which is purified and hydrogenated to form NMP.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel manufacturing process and novel intermediates useful in the synthesis of pharmaceutically active compounds of general formula I used for treatment of epilepsy, neuropathic pain, anxiety and social phobia. The invention describes preparation of enantiomerically pure (S)-Pregabalin from chiral pyrrolidin-2-one of formula IV.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel manufacturing process and novel intermediates useful in the synthesis of pharmaceutically active compounds of general formula I used for treatment of epilepsy, neuropathic pain, anxiety and social phobia. The invention describes preparation of enantiomerically pure (S)-Pregabalin from chiral pyrrolidin-2-one of formula IV.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of processing an initial di-carbonyl compound by conversion to a cyclic compound. The cyclic compound is reacted with an alkylating agent to form a derivative having an alkylated ring nitrogen. The invention encompasses a method of producing an N-alkyl product. Ammonia content of a solution is adjusted to produce a ratio of ammonia to di-carboxylate compound of from about 1:1 to about 1.5:1. An alkylating agent is added and the initial compound is alkylated and cyclized. The invention includes methods of making N-methyl pyrrolidinone (NMP). Aqueous ammonia and succinate is introduced into a vessel and ammonia is adjusted to provide a ratio of ammonia to succinate of less than 2:1. A methylating agent is reacted with succinate at a temperature of from greater than 100° C. to about 400° C. to produce N-methyl succinimide which is purified and hydrogenated to form NMP.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of processing an initial di-carbonyl compound by conversion to a cyclic compound. The cyclic compound is reacted with an alkylating agent to form a derivative having an alkylated ring nitrogen. The invention encompasses a method of producing an N-alkyl product. Ammonia content of a solution is adjusted to produce a ratio of ammonia to di-carboxylate compound of from about 1:1 to about 1.5:1. An alkylating agent is added and the initial compound is alkylated and cyclized. The invention includes methods of making N-methylpyrrolidinone (NMP). Aqueous ammonia and succinate is introduced into a vessel and ammonia is adjusted to provide a ratio of ammonia to succinate of less than 2:1. A methylating agent is reacted with succinate at a temperature of from greater than 100° C. to about 400° C. to produce N-methyl succinimide which is purified and hydrogenated to form NMP.

Abstract: A process for the manufacturing of levetiracetam, wherein said process comprises the steps of: (1) reacting the (?)-(S)-alpha-ethyl-2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine acetic acid with a substoichiometric amount of an activating agent in an alcoholic solvent, and (2) subjecting the resulting reaction solution of step (1) to an ammonolysis process with gaseous ammonia.

Abstract: A process for preparing N-vinylpyrrolidone by reacting 2-pyrrolidone with acetylene, wherein the 2-pyrrolidone used as a starting material (referred to hereinafter as starting 2-pyrrolidone) comprises less than 1 part by weight of ?-butyrolactone per 100 parts by weight of 2-pyrrolidone.

Abstract: A process for preparing an N-alkyllactam with improved color quality, wherein from 0.01 to 10% by weight of a C1-10-alcohol or a compound which releases from 0.01 to 10% by weight of a C1-10-alcohol is added to the N-alkyllactam. A mixture comprising at least 99.0% by weight of an N-alkyllactam and in the range from 100 to 5000 ppm by weight of a C1-10-alcohol or of an acetal, aminal or of an orthoester which releases in the range from 100 to 5000 ppm by weight of a C1-10-alcohol.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of processing an initial di-carbonyl compound by conversion to a cyclic compound. The cyclic compound is reacted with an alkylating agent to form a derivative having an alkylated ring nitrogen. The invention encompasses a method of producing an N-alkyl product. Ammonia content of a solution is adjusted to produce a ratio of ammonia to di-carboxylate compound of from about 1:1 to about 1.5:1. An alkylating agent is added and the initial compound is alkylated and cyclized. The invention includes methods of making N-methylpyrrolidinone (NMP). Aqueous ammonia and succinate is introduced into a vessel and ammonia is adjusted to provide a ratio of ammonia to succinate of less than 2:1. A methylating agent is reacted with succinate at a temperature of from greater than 100° C. to about 400° C. to produce N-methyl succinimide which is purified and hydrogenated to form NMP.

Abstract: A process for preparing N-alkenyl compounds by reacting the corresponding NH compounds with alkynes in the liquid phase in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the reaction is carried out in the presence of at least one stabilizer, and the use of stabilizers for increasing the selectivity in a process for preparing N-alkenyl compounds by reacting the corresponding NH compounds with alkynes in the liquid phase in the presence of a catalyst.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of processing an initial di-carbonyl compound by conversion to a cyclic compound. The cyclic compound is reacted with an alkylating agent to form a derivative having an alkylated ring nitrogen. The invention encompasses a method of producing an N-alkyl product. Ammonia content of a solution is adjusted to produce a ratio of ammonia to di-carboxylate compound of from about 1:1 to about 1.5:1. An alkylating agent is added and the initial compound is alkylated and cyclized. The invention includes methods of making N-methyl pyrrolidinone (NMP). Aqueous ammonia and succinate is introduced into a vessel and ammonia is adjusted to provide a ratio of ammonia to succinate of less than 2:1. A methylating agent is reacted with succinate at a temperature of from greater than 100° C. to about 400° C. to produce N-methyl succinimide which is purified and hydrogenated to form NMP.

Abstract: A process for preparing an N-alkyllactam with improved color quality, wherein from 0.01 to 10% by weight of a C1-10-alcohol or a compound which releases from 0.01 to 10% by weight of a C1-10-alcohol is added to the N-alkyllactam. A mixture comprising at least 99.0% by weight of an N-alkyllactam and in the range from 100 to 5000 ppm by weight of a C1-10-alcohol or of an acetal, aminal or of an orthoester which releases in the range from 100 to 5000 ppm by weight of a C1-10-alcohol.

Abstract: Compounds expressed by the following formula (1) or pharmaceutically permissible solvate thereof which is effective for treating Paget's disease of bone, hypercalcemia or osteoporosis. In the formula, R1 is a C2-C10 alkyl group, or a C7-C15 aralkyl group whose aromatic ring is optionally substituted with a C1-C6 alkyl group, a C1-C6 alkoxyl group, a hydroxyl group, a halogen atom or a trifluoromethyl group; and R2 is a C1-C10 alkyl group, or a C7-C15 aralkyl group whose aromatic ring is optionally substituted with a C1-C6 alkyl group, a C1-C6 alkoxyl group, a hydroxyl group, a halogen atom or a trifluoromethyl group.

Abstract: A compound comprising or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a prodrug thereof is disclosed herein. Y, A, and B are as described herein. Methods, compositions, and medicaments related to these compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of processing an initial di-carbonyl compound by conversion to a cyclic compound. The cyclic compound is reacted with an alkylating agent to form a derivative having an alkylated ring nitrogen. The invention encompasses a method of producing an N-alkyl product. Ammonia content of a solution is adjusted to produce a ratio of ammonia to di-carboxylate compound of from about 1:1 to about 1.5:1. An alkylating agent is added and the initial compound is alkylated and cyclized. The invention includes methods of making N-methyl pyrrolidinone (NMP). Aqueous ammonia and succinate is introduced into a vessel and ammonia is adjusted to provide a ratio of ammonia to succinate of less than 2:1. A methylating agent is reacted with succinate at a temperature of from greater than 100° C. to about 400° C. to produce N-methyl succinimide which is purified and hydrogenated to form NMP.

Abstract: A process for coproducing alkyl-substituted or unsubstituted THF and pyrrolidones by catalytically hydrogenating C4-dicarboxylic acids and/or derivatives thereof in the gas phase in the presence of copper catalysts and reacting GBL with ammonia or primary amines to give pyrrolidones.

Abstract: A process for continuously preparing 2-pyrrolidone by reacting gamma-butyrolactone with ammonia in the liquid phase in the presence of water, wherein the reaction is carried out at a temperature of from 275 to 300° C. and an absolute pressure of from 140 to 180 bar.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing 5-methyl-N-aryl-2-pyrrolidone, 5-methyl-N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone, and 5-methyl-N-cycloalkyl-2-pyrrolidone by reductive amination of levulinic acid esters with aryl or alkyl amines utilizing a metal catalyst, which is optionally supported.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing 5-methyl-N-(methyl aryl)-2-pyrrolidone, 5-methyl-N-(methyl cycloalkyl)-2-pyrrolidone and 5-methyl-N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone by reductive amination of levulinic acid esters with aryl or alkyl cyano compounds utilizing a metal catalyst, which is optionally supported.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to processes for the efficient production optically active 3-substituted lactams of formula (I) process, comprising: contacting a compound of formula (II): with hydrogen under a suitable pressure in the presence of an iridium complex of the formula (R2)IrL+X? wherein L is a chelating diene, X is a non coordinating anion, and R2 is selected from

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing 5-methyl-N-(methyl aryl)-2-pyrrolidone, 5-methyl-N-(methyl cycloalkyl)-2-pyrrolidone and 5-methyl-N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone by reductive amination of levulinic acid esters with aryl or alkyl cyano compounds utilizing a metal catalyst, which is optionally supported.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing N-aryl-2-lactams and N-cycloalkyl-2-lactams by reductive amination of lactones with aryl amines utilizing a metal catalyst, which is optionally supported.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing N-aryl-2-lactams, N-alkyl-2-lactams, and N-cycloalkyl-2-lactams by reductive amination of lactones with aryl or alkyl nitro compounds utilizing a metal catalyst, which is optionally supported.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing N-aryl-2-lactams and N-cycloalkyl-2-lactams by reductive amination of lactones with aryl amines utilizing a metal catalyst, which is optionally supported.

Abstract: A process for the production of N-methyl pyrrolidone using gamma butyrolactone and mixed methylamines as starting materials, in a continuous process, in such operating conditions as to allow the production of high purity N-methyl pyrrolidone in high yields.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing N-aryl-2-lactams, N-alkyl-2-lactams, and N-cycloalkyl-2-lactams by reductive amination of lactones with aryl or alkyl nitro compounds utilizing a metal catalyst, which is optionally supported.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing N-aryl-2-lactams, N-alkyl-2-lactams, and N-cycloalkyl-2-lactams by reductive amination of lactones with aryl or alkyl nitro compounds utilizing a metal catalyst, which is optionally supported.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing N-aryl-2-lactams and N-cycloalkyl-2-lactams by reductive amination of lactones with aryl amines utilizing a metal catalyst, which is optionally supported.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing 5-methyl-N-(methyl aryl)-2-pyrrolidone, 5-methyl-N-(methyl cycloalkyl)-2-pyrrolidone and 5-methyl-N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone by reductive amination of levulinic acid esters with aryl or alkyl cyano compounds utilizing a metal catalyst, which is optionally supported.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing 5-methyl-N-(methyl aryl)-2-pyrrolidone, 5-methyl-N-(methyl cycloalkyl)-2-pyrrolidone and 5-methyl-N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone by reductive amination of levulinic acid esters with aryl or alkyl cyano compounds utilizing a metal catalyst, which is optionally supported.

Abstract: N-vinyl pyrrolidone is produced by dehydration of N-hydroxyethyl pyrrolidone in the presence of an amorphous mixed oxide catalyst such as an amorphous Ca/Zn oxide catalyst.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing N-aryl-2-lactams, N-alkyl-2-lactams, and N-cycloalky-2-lactams by reductive amination of lactones with aryl or alkyl nitro compounds utilizing a metal catalyst, which is optionally supported.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing N-aryl-2-lactams and N-cycloalkyl-2-lactams by reductive amination of lactones with aryl amines utilizing a metal catalyst, which is optionally supported.

Abstract: A process for continuously preparing 2-pyrrolidone by reacting gamma-butyrolactone with ammonia in the liquid phase in the presence of water, wherein the reaction is carried out at a temperature of from 275 to 300° C. and an absolute pressure of from 140 to 180 bar.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing 5-methyl-N-aryl-2-pyrrolidone, 5-methyl-N-cycloalkyl-2-pyrrolidone, and 5-methyl-N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone by reductive amination of levulinic acid with nitro compounds utilizing a metal catalyst, which is optionally supported.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing N-(methyl aryl)-2-lactams, N-alkyl-2-lactams, and N-(methyl cycloalkyl)-2-lactams by reductive amination of lactones with aryl or alkyl cyano compounds utilizing a metal catalyst, which is optionally supported.

Abstract: A method for obtaining high purity N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidone satisfactory for use as an intermediate material for N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone from a reaction liquid formed of a reaction between y-butyrolactone and 2-aminoethanol, i.e., a liquid containing N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidone, compounds having boiling points lower than that of N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidone and compounds having boiling points higher than that of N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidone. The method is characterized by distilling said reaction liquid using a distillation column, whereby obtaining a liquid containing the compounds having the lower boiling points than that of N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidone and N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidone as a distillate liquid from the column top and a liquid containing compounds having boiling points higher than that of N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidone as a bottom liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for making N-methylpyrrolidine and analogous compounds via hydrogenation. Novel catalysts for this process, and novel conditions/yields are also described. Other process improvements may include extraction and hydrolysis steps. Some preferred reactions take place in the aqueous phase. Starting materials for making N-methylpyrrolidine may include succinic acid, N-methylsuccinimide, and their analogs.

Abstract: A process for preparing N-alkenyl-amides by reacting the corresponding NH-amides with acetylenes in the liquid phase in the presence of basic alkali metal compounds and of a cocatalyst comprises using as the cocatalyst diols of the general formula (I) where X is branched or unbranched alkylene selected from the group consisting of where R1 to R6 are independently hydrogen or C1- to C4-alkyl; or branched or unbranched cyclic alkylene of 3 to 14 carbon atoms including 3 to 12 ring carbon atoms, their monoalkenyl ethers, their dialkenyl ethers or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for making N-methylpyrrolidine and analogous compounds via hydrogenation. Novel catalysts for this process, and novel conditions/yields are also described. Other process improvements may include extraction and hydrolysis steps. Some preferred reactions take place in the aqueous phase. Starting materials for making N-methylpyrrolidine may include succinic acid, N-methylsuccinimide, and their analogs.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for making N-methylpyrrolidine and analogous compounds via hydrogenation. Novel catalysts for this process, and novel conditions/yields are also described. Other process improvements may include extraction and hydrolysis steps. Some preferred reactions take place in the aqueous phase. Starting materials for making N-methylpyrrolidine may include succinic acid, N-methylsuccinimide, and their analogs.

Abstract: A process for preparing N-alkenyl-amides by reacting the corresponding NH-amides with acetylenes in the liquid phase in the presence of basic alkali metal compounds and of a cocatalyst comprises using as the cocatalyst compounds of the general formulae (Ia) and/or (Ib) R1O—(CH2CH2CH2CH2O)n—H  (Ia): R1O—(CH2CH2CH2CH2O)n—R2,  (Ib): where n is 1, 2 or 3 and R1 and R2 are independently C1- to C6-alkyl or C2- to C6-alkenyl, or together a butenyl unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for making N-methylpyrrolidine and analogous compounds via hydrogenation. Novel catalysts for this process, and novel conditions/yields are also described. Other process improvements may include extraction and hydrolysis steps. Some preferred reactions take place in the aqueous phase. Starting materials for making N-methylpyrrolidine may include succinic acid, N-methylsuccinimide, and their analogs.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for making N-methylpyrrolidine and analogous compounds via hydrogenation. Novel catalysts for this process, and novel conditions/yields are also described. Other process improvements may include extraction and hydrolysis steps. Some preferred reactions take place in the aqueous phase. Starting materials for making N-methylpyrrolidine may include succinic acid, N-methylsuccinimide, and their analogs.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for making N-methylpyrrolidine and analogous compounds via hydrogenation. Novel catalysts for this process, and novel conditions/yields are also described. Other process improvements may include extraction and hydrolysis steps. Some preferred reactions take place in the aqueous phase. Starting materials for making N-methylpyrrolidine may include succinic acid, N-methylsuccinimide, and their analogs.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for making N-methylpyrrolidine and analogous compounds via hydrogenation. Novel catalysts for this process, and novel conditions/yields are also described. Other process improvements may include extraction and hydrolysis steps. Some preferred reactions take place in the aqueous phase. Starting materials for making N-methylpyrrolidine may include succinic acid, N-methylsuccinimide, and their analogs.

Abstract: Object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing an amide compound with high efficiency by subjecting an oxime compound to Beckmann rearrangement in a liquid phase under mild reaction conditions. Namely, the invention relates to a process for producing an amide compound such as &egr;-caprolactam by subjecting an oxime compound such as cyclohexanone oxime to Beckmann rearrangement in a liquid phase, characterized in that the reaction is carried out in the presence of (1) a non-fluorine-containing sulfonic anhydride and an N,N-disubstituted amide compound or (2) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of sulfonic acids and anhydrides thereof, an N,N-disubstituted amide compound, and a carboxylic anhydride.

Abstract: In the presence of an imide compound (e.g., N-hydroxyphthalimide) shown by the formula (2): wherein R1 and R2 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, a cycloalkyl group; or R1 and R2 may bond together to form a double bond or an aromatic or non-aromatic ring; Y is O or OH and n=1 to 3; or the imide compound and a co-catalyst (e.g., a transition metal compound), an adamantane derivative having a functional group such as a nitro group, an amino group, a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, a hydroxymethyl group and an isocyanato group is oxidized with oxygen. According to the above method, an adamantane derivative having a hydroxyl group together with a functional group such as a nitro group, an amino group, a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, a hydroxymethyl group and an isocyanato group is efficiently obtained.