Pyrrolidine derivatives of the formula <IMAGE> (I) are prepared from gamma -amino- beta -hydroxybutyric acid which, after reaction with a silylating agent, is reacted, in the presence of an acid acceptor, with a halogen derivative of an ester of an aliphatic acid and then cyclized to give the corresponding N-alkoxy-carbonylalkyl derivative which is converted into the corresponding amide by treatment with ammonia or with a mono- or di-substituted amine. The compounds produced by the present invention improve learning memory and display a protecting effect against the E.E.G. consequence of an overdose of barbituates and against the reduced performance following brain damage (e.g. cerebral edema).
4-Hydroxy pyrrolidin-2-onyl-amides