Asymmetric Synthesis of (1'R,3R,4R)-4-Acetoxy-3(1'-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)ethyl)-2-azetidinone and Other 3-(1'-Hydroxyethyl)-2-azetidinones from (S)-(+)-Ethyl 3-Hydroxybutanoate: Formal Total Synthesis of (+)-Thienamycin

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/ja00238a023

The synthesis of (1'R,3R,4R)-4-acetoxy-3-(1'-((tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy)ethyl)-2-azetidinone, an important precursor for synthesis of carbapenems and penems, is detailed.The methodology utilized relies on the addition, cyclization reaction between the dianion of (S)-(+)-ethyl 3-hydroxybutanoate and N-arylaldimines.The syntheses of other useful optically active 3-(hydroxyethyl)-2-azetidinones are presented.A study of factors influencing the stereochemistry in the addition, cyclization reaction for the formation of 3-(1'-hydroxyethyl)-2-azetidinones is detailed.