Beta-lactams, their production from azetidine carboxylic acids, intermediates thereto and derivatives thereof

摘要

Azetidine-2-carboxylic acids are transformed readily to the corresponding beta-lactams by iminium salt formation and reaction of the salt with a suitable nucleophile. The beta-lactams and substitution products thereof are useful intermediates in the synthesis of biologically active lactams such as nocardicin.