Diastereoselective Synthesis of γ-Lactams and δ-Lactams via a Conjugate Addition-Initiated Tandem Reaction

Abstract

β-Alkoxycarbonyl-γ-lactams and γ-alkoxycarbonyl-δ-lactams were synthesized via a conjugate alkylation/Mannich reaction/lactamization tandem reaction of unsaturated dicarboxylates with diethyl zinc and aldimines. The high yield, the ready availability of the reagents, and especially the high diastereoselectivity are promising characteristics of the approach that allows access to functionalized lactams.