Synlett 2004(8): 1425-1427  
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-825606
LETTER
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

β-Lactam Synthesis by Ugi Reaction of β-Keto Acids in Aqueous Solution

Michael C. Pirrung*, Koushik Das Sarma
Department of Chemistry, Levine Science Research Center, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708-0317, USA
Fax: +1(919)6601591; e-Mail: michael.pirrung@duke.edu;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 1 March 2004
Publication Date:
18 May 2004 (online)

Abstract

A novel protocol for accelerating Ugi reactions in aqueous solution enables the application of the reaction to β-keto acids. This process results in the preparation of even highly strained ring-fused β-lactams.