Processes to produce brivaracetam

A process for stereoselective preparation of brivaracetam XII comprising converting a compound of formula VII to brivaracetam XII:

• wherein R1 is H, saturated or unsaturated C1-20 alkyl or C1alkyl-unsubstituted or substituted aryl;
• and X is Cl, Br, I, OMs, or OTs;
• and wherein the converting comprises:
• reacting the compound of formula VII with(S)-2-aminobutanamide or its salt or alkyl(S)-2-aminobutanoate in a first solvent under basic conditions at a temperature in the range 25° C. to 200° C. to produce a compound of formula IX,
• isolating the compound of formula IX, and
• converting the isolated compound of formula IX to brivaracetam XII in a second solvent at a temperature in the range 25° C. to 200° C.