Abstract
Stereoselective preparation of diverse trans and cis beta-lactams following different experimental conditions are executed. A variety of circumstances are critically analyzed. It has been found that the stereochemistry of the products depends on a number of parameters including the conditions of the procedures, composition of the Schiff bases and acid chlorides or equivalents, method of addition of the reactants, temperature of the process and nature of the media. Using some of the compounds and methods as described herein, a number of useful chemical transformations for the preparation of heterocycles are achieved. These methods include indium-catalyzed glycosylation of amino beta-lactams, preparation of pyrrole-substituted beta-lactams, cycloaddition with sterically congested Schiff bases towards beta-lactams, Michael reaction for the preparation of polycyclic oxazepenes and synthesis of two chiral isomers of the thienamycin side chain. Most of the products are obtained stereospecifically and in optically active forms. Many reactions described here are catalytic and therefore, these are environmentally friendly.