Abstract
A simplified and stereocontrolled synthesis of α-vinyl and α-alkyl β-lactams has been achieved in open vessels under microwave irradiation in unmodified domestic microwave ovens. These compounds - prepared in the course of a few minutes for each reaction step (including catalytic transfer hydrogenation) - are convenient synthons for various cis and trans carbapenems.
Stereocontrolled synthesis of cis 3-alkyl-1-p-anisyl-4-carboethoxy-2-azetidinones has been conducted in open vessels using microwave irradiation for rapid reaction.