4-(Polyalkoxyphenyl)-2-pyrrolidones of the formula <IMAGE> wherein R1 and R2 each are hydrocarbon of up to 18 carbon atoms at least one being other than methyl, a heterocyclic ring, or alkyl of 1-5 carbon atoms substituted by halogen, OH, COOH, alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl or an amino group; R' is H, alkyl, aryl or acyl; and X is O or S; possess neuropsychotropic activity. The compounds wherein X is O can be produced by saponifying and decarboxylating a corresponding 2-pyrrolidone-3-carboxylic acid alkyl ester or cyclizing a corresponding 3-phenyl-4-amino-butyric acid or alkyl ester thereof. The pyrrolidones can be converted to the corresponding thiopyrrolidones by reaction with phosphorous pentasulfide in the presence of base.
4-(Polyalkoxy phenyl)-2-pyrrolidones