The Zinc Mediated Condensation of Amino Acid Esters with Imines to b-Lactams

Abstract

An experimentally attractive stereoselectie 'one pot' synthesis of beta-lactams is described. This route is based on the zinc mediated condensation of an alpha-amino acid ester with an imine via a zinc ester enolate. Making use of proper substituents in both the amino acid ester and the imine the stereochemistry of the C-C bond forming step can be completely controlled.