Synthesis of (S)-1-(2-chloroacetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carbonitrile: a key intermediate for dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors.

An alternative and practical synthesis of (S)-1-(2-chloroacetyl)pyrrolidine-2-carbonitrile was achieved. Reaction of L-proline with chloroacetyl chloride was followed by conversion of the carboxylic acid moiety of the resulting N-acylated product into the carbonitrile via the corresponding amide intermediate. The synthesized pyrrolidine derivative was utilized to prepare DPP-IV inhibitor Vildagliptin.