Synthesis of pyrrolidin-2-ones via tandem reactions of vinyl sulfonium salts under mild conditions

A novel and efficient synthesis of pyrrolidin-2-ones through the tandem reactions of vinyl sulfonium salts with malonyl amides under very mild conditions is reported. The reaction demonstrates a wide tolerance toward various aryls, acyl, sulfonyl, and benzyl while aliphatic groups delivering the tetrahydro-2-oxofuran product.