A method and apparatus are provided for monitoring the quality of lubricant that is in a gear mechanism or machine that contains effective materials. ; and a capacitor portion 40 having a high dielectric constant layer 43, formed of ceramic and first and second layer electrodes 41 and 42 that sandwich the high dielectric constant layer 43. The sheet is operable to rotate about an imaginary axis. The three-step process comprises the steps of forming an azlactone from an N-acylglycine and cyclopropanecarboxaldehyde, converting the azlactone to the aforesaid enamide which then is hydrogenated in the presence of a catalyst comprising a transition metal and a substantially enantiomerically-pure bis-phosphine catalyst. The suction mechanism includes a suction port that is openable and closable.