α-Angelica Lactone Catalyzed Oxidation of Pyrrolidines to Lactams

Herein, we report an efficient protocol for the synthesis of gamma-lactams from pyrrolidines and oxygen. The strategy follows a two-step process involving an initial generation alpha-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 gamma-lactams. The lactam derivatives were obtained in up to 98 % yield.

Automated summary

An efficient protocol for synthesizing gamma-lactams from pyrrolidines and oxygen is reported. The strategy involves a two-step process of generating alpha-amino alkyl radicals followed by trapping with oxygen species. This method demonstrates good functional group acceptance and provides a direct approach to access gamma-lactams. The lactam derivatives were obtained in up to 98% yield.