CHEMICAL PROCESS FOR PREPARING AN AZETIDIN-2-ONE

摘要

Azetidin-2-ones that are N-substituted by a phenyl group carrying a selected ortho- or para-substituent are subjected to electrochemical oxidation to yield N-unsubstituted azetidin-2-ones. The N-substituted azetidin-2-ones can bear other substituents, provided that the substituents are such that the reaction proceeds without undesired substantial oxidation of the remainder of the molecule. The oxidation can be carried out in a liquid medium that comprises up to about 50% water and a substantially inert organic solvent, using platinum or platinised titanium as working electrode. Suitably the temperature is in the range of about -5.degree.C to about +85.degree.C, the potential of the working electrode is in the range 1.2 to 1.8 relative to a reference electrode and the pH is maintained in the range 4 to 7. The obtained N-unsubstituted azetidin-2-ones are useful as intermediates in the preparation of .beta.-lactam antibiotics.