One-pot regioselective synthesis of β-lactams by a tandem Ugi 4CC/SN cyclization

beta-Lactam scaffold was fabricated regioselectively by a facile one-pot base-mediated synthesis. The reactions of bromoacetic acid 1, primary amines 2, isocyanides 3, and arylglyoxals 4 produced 2-aroyl-4-oxoazetidine-2-carboxamides 6 in good yields via a one-pot tandem Ugi condensation and intramolecular C-alkylation at room temperature in the presence of Cs2CO3. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.