Synthesis of γ-Lactams through Diastereoselective Ring Expansion

Significance

Functionalized γ-lactams comprise a class of interesting synthetic targets because of their remarkable antibacterial properties. The authors propose a synthesis of these targets through ring expansion of β-lactams and further intramolecular cyclization. This work is based on the group’s earlier reports of an intermolecular variant of this reaction (J. Org. Chem. 2005, 70, 3369). The bicyclic lactams were obtained in moderate yields and diastereoselectivities.