Abstract
A high yield synthesis of 3-(N, N-disubstituted)amino-@b-lactams based on the condensation of zinc enolates with imines is reported. With the activated Me{3}SiC@?C@?C(H)@?NSiMe{3} (3b) exclusively trans-@b-lactams are formed, whereas with PhC(H)@?NMe (3a) there are substituent and solvent effects on the product distribution.