Synthesis of 2-Methylpyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazin-1(2h)-one

The synthesis of 2-methylpyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazin-1(2H)-one (2) present in the insect feeding deterrent peramine (1) through oxidation of the saturated lactam (3) is described. The preparation of the related 6- methyl-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-7(6H)-one (12) through a Lewis-acid- catalysed cyclization of the amide acetal (7) is also described.