Stereoselective synthesis of β-lactams with polyaromatic imines:: Entry to new and novel anticancer agents

We present herein stereoselective symthesis of novel beta-lactams using polyaromatic imines following the Staudinger reaction. Consistent mechanisms for these results have been advanced. As a measure of cytotaxicity, some of these compounds have been assayed against nine human cancer cell lines. Structure-activity study has revealed that 1-N-chrysenyl and 1-N-phenanthrenyl 3-acetoxy-4-aryl-2-azetidinones have potent anticancer activity. The presence of the acetoxy group at C-3 of the beta-lactams has proven to be obligatory for their anticancer activity