Direct, palladium-catalyzed, multicomponent synthesis of β-lactams from imines, acid chloride, and carbon monoxide

A new palladium-catalyzed synthesis of 3-amido-substituted beta-lactams is reported. This process involves the one- pot coupling of four components, imines, carbon monoxide, and acid chloride, providing a flexible route to construct this class of heterocycle. The generation of beta-lactams with two different imines can also be accomplished, providing a method to assemble these products with independent control over five separate substituents.