[GRAPHIC] The zirconium-mediated intramolecular ester transfer reaction of N-alkenyl carbamate derivatives proceeded to give a-substituted gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) derivatives in good to excellent yields. Quenching experiments of the reaction mixture with iodine or 02 indicated the presence of a cyclopropane intermediate. The resulting iodide was converted to 2-substituted pyrrolidine-3-carboxylate and/or alpha-alkylidene-gamma-aminobutyric acid derivatives in a stereospecific manner.