A Simple and Direct Synthesis of 3-Methylene-1, 4-diarylazetidin-2-ones and (E)-3-Arylidene-1-phenylazetidin-2-ones Using Baylis–Hillman Derivatives

Abstract

Herein we describe a direct method, promoted by potassium tert-butoxide (KOtBu), for the synthesis of highly substituted α-methylene β-lactams and α-arylidene β-lactams from the amino ester intermediates derived from the acetates and bromo derivatives of the Baylis–Hillman adducts. A variety of β-lactams was synthesized in a single step with good yields.