N-heterocyclic carbene catalyzed ring expansion of 4-formyl-β-lactams:: Synthesis of succinimide derivatives

N-Heterocyclic carbene (NHC) has been employed as an efficient catalyst for ring expansion of 4-formyl-beta-lactams, allowing the facile synthesis of succinimide derivatives. This organocatalytic process features readily availability of the catalyst, low catalyst loading, and mild reaction conditions.