2-Pyrrolidone

2-Pyrrolidone is an organic compound consisting of a 5-membered lactam, making it the simplest γ-lactam. It is a colorless liquid that is miscible with water and most common organic solvents.

It is produced industrially by treating butyrolactone with ammonia. Alternative routes include the partial hydrogenation of succinimide and the carbonylation of allylamine with methyl amine. 2-Pyrrolidone is an intermediate in the production of vinylpyrrolidone and the drug piracetam.