Novel 3-hydroxy-pyrrolin-2-one derivatives

A process for the preparation of compounds of the formula:

• ##STR3## in which R is a saturated or unsaturated alkyl group of up to 6 carbon atoms or the group alk-ar, wherein alk is a methylene-, ethylene- or propylene- group and ar is a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl-, furyl-, or pyridyl- ring wherein the substituent is methoxy or chloro;
• wherein a compound of the formula:
• ##STR4## in which R has the above meaning and R.sub.1 is an alkyl group of up to 8 carbon atoms, is condensed with a dialkyl oxalate of the formula:
• ##STR5## in which R.sub.2 is an alkyl group of up to 3 carbon atoms, in an anhydrous lower alcohol of up to 3 carbon atoms in the presence of a corresponding alkali metal alcoholate at a temperature in the range of 70.degree. to 90.degree. C.