Demethylation of N methyl pyrrolidone.

[Jack]

Does anyone here know if the Von Braun reaction where tertiary amines are dealkylated to cyanamides is applicable to tertiary amides.
ie; could I react N methyl pyrrolidone a tertiary amide with cyanogen bromide and get 2-oxopyrrolidine-1-carbonitrile, the N cyano derivative.

(For making gamma hydroxy butyric acid)

 

[G.Patton]

Hi, I'm not sure cuz there is oxo group, which is strong electron acceptor.