| abstract |
In a method of synthesis of 1-substituted azacycloalkan-2-ones with primary alkyl halides and aralkyl halides as alkylating agents, the improvement comprising carrying out the N-alkylation in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst having the structural formula <IMAGE> where X is suitable anion; and R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each alkyl or aralkyl groups having 1-18 carbon atoms, or R2, R3 and R4 can form a part of a heterocyclic ring, with the proviso that the combined total of carbon atoms is between 16 and 40. |