This review article, covering the literature from 1891 to 1999, deals with the methods of preparation of pyrrolidinetrione derivatives, emphasis being placed on methods of reasonable efficiency. A general applicability of these compounds as versatile building blocks in synthesis of fused heterocyclic systems is in focus. Pyrrolidine-2,3,4-trione Derivatives in the Synthesis of Anellated Nitrogen-Containing 5,5-Ring Systems 4 Hydrogenation of Pyrrolidine-2,3,5-triones 5 Su mmary