A solution of tert-butyl ((1S)-3-chloro-2-oxo-1-{[(3S)-2-oxopyrrolidin-3-yl]methyl}propyl)carbamate (1.26 g, 4.3 mmol) in dichloromethane (107 mL) at 0 °C under nitrogen was treated with 48% hydrobromic acid (0.48 mL, 4.3 mmol) with effervescence observed.