An electrochemical alternative strategy to the synthesis of β-lactams. Part 2 [1] C3-C4 Bond formation

Electrochemically induced synthesis of beta-lactams, by cyclization (via C3-C4 bond formation) of haloamides (XCHRCONRCHRR4)-C-1-C-2-R-3 (X: Br, Cl), has been achieved in suitable solvent-supporting electrolyte solutions previously electrolyzed under galvanostatic control. The yields and the stereochemistry of the process are affected by the nature of substituents R-1-R-4 and of solvent-supporting electrolyte solutions and by the electrolysis conditions