A convenient synthesis of 2-(3-methyl-2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl)benzoic acid

Abstract

A new procedure for the synthesis of 2-(3-methyl-2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1yl)benzoic acid (3) is reported via hydrogenation of 2-(3-methyl-2,5-dihydropyrrol-1-yl)benzoic acid (9) that in turn is available from fusion of anthranilic acid with citraconic anhydride. This method provides cleaner material in higher overall yield than that obtained using previously reported methods.