Unusual tosyl transfer solvolysis reaction to 3‐n‐butyl‐4‐methyl‐5,5‐di‐p‐toluenesulfonyl‐ 3 ‐pyrrolin‐2‐one

The title compound ( 1 ) was isolated in 20‐30% recovery following solvolysis of a mixture of 5‐bromo‐3‐n‐butyl‐4‐methyl‐2‐p‐toluenesulfonylpyrrole ( 4b ) and 5‐bromo‐4‐n‐butyl‐3‐methyl‐2‐p‐toluenesulfonyl‐pyrrole ( 4a ) in trifluoroacetic acid and water, a reaction designed to produce 5‐p‐toluenesulfonyl‐3‐pyrrolin‐2‐ones, e.g., 5a and 5b .