α‐Angelica Lactone Catalyzed Oxidation of Pyrrolidines to Lactams

Abstract

Herein, we report an efficient protocol for the synthesis of γlactams from pyrrolidines and oxygen. The strategy follows a two-step process involving an initial generation α-amino alkyl radicals from pyrrolidines and oxygen in presence of 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) followed by trapping of the radical with oxygen species. This protocol demonstrates good functional group acceptance and provides a direct method to access γ-lactams. The lactam derivatives were obtained in up to 98 % yield.