[Substances with central nervous system activity. Derivatives of octahydro-1,4-dihydroxypyrrolo(1,2-a)pyrazine-6-carboxylic acids].

Compounds with potential activity on the Central Nervous System were prepared starting either from 2,5-diethoxycarbonylpyrrolidine or from N-benzyloxycarbonyl-2,5-pyrrolidinedicarboxylic acid anhydride. By the Arndt-Eistert reaction it was possible to obtain chain lengthening at position 6. The carboxy group was also successfully reduced to a hydroxymethyl group. The synthetic work was completed with the synthesis of some derivatives having a phenyl ring condensed at position 7 and 8. Some pharmacological data on the Central Nervous System depressant activity of the prepared compounds are also reported.