The naturally occurring 3-acyltetramic acids (3-acylpyrrolidine-2, 4-diones) melophlin A, B, C and G were prepared in few steps from α-aminoesters or their hydrochlorides by cyclization with Ph3PCCO under mild conditions. The employment of immobilized, polystyrene-bound ylide greatly simplifies the removal of by-product Ph3PO and of other impurities. Various 3- acylation methods were assessed.
