Azetidine derivatives; process for their preparation; and their use as intermediates.

摘要

Substituted azetidinone carboxylates of the general formula I <CHEM> wherein R1 represents a benzyl, benzhydryl or tosyl group and R2 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group of up to 6 carbon atoms; process for the preparation of azetidinones of formula I, which comprises oxidising an N-substituted dioxopyrrolidine of general formula II:- <CHEM> process for the preparation of an N-substituted-3-hydroxymethyl azetidine derivative of general formula III <CHEM> which comprises reduction of an N-substituted azetidinone carboxylate of general formula I above. <CHEM> t