| Abstract: | An improved method for the preparation of DL -azetidine-2-carboxylic acid is reported. The reaction of thionyl chloride with azetidine-2-carboxylic acid in methanol gave rise to 2-carbomethoxyazetidine hydrochloride, which upon treatment with triethylamine yielded 2-carbomethoxyazetidine. 2-Carbomethoxyazetidine proved to be unstable and upon standing formed azetidine-2-carboxylic acid anhydride. The nmr and ir spectra of 2-carbomethoxyazetidine are discussed in terms of its conformation. The conversion of azetidine-2-carboxylic acid to azetidine-2-carboxamide is also described. |
