Tandem approaches for the synthesis of functionalized pyrrolidones: efficient routes toward allokainic acid and kainic acid

Tandem approaches for the synthesis of pyrrolidone precursor of allokainic acid and kainic acid are described. The synthesis of pyrrolidone intermediate of allokainic acid is achieved by tandem Wittig–Michael reaction and tandem amidation-Michael reaction while one pot amidation—Ene-esterification is employed for the synthesis of Ganem intermediate (2:1) of kainic acid.