N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone is an aprotic solvent used in many industrial processes. Draw the structure of the product formed when it is heated with aqueous acid.

We will obtain 4-(methylamino)butanoic acid

Explanation:

In the heating process of the N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone in acid medium, the oxo group will attack the hydronium ion to produce a cation in the oxygen. Then we will have a delocalization of the double bond upon the oxygen generating a carbocation. A continuation the water will attack the carbon cation producing a new C-O bond and a positive charge in the oxygen.

The next step would be the attack of the lone pair from the nitrogen to the H generating a positive charge in the nitrogen. Then the N-C bond would break and the lone pair of the oxygen would attack the carbon regenerating the oxo group (C=O). Finally, the hydronium ion would leave the molecule producing the 4-(methylamino)butanoic acid.

To further explanations check the attached image.

1 a

2 d

3 a

4 c

explanation: