Synthesis of novel N-(4-ethoxyphenyl) azetidin-2-ones and their oxidative N-deprotection by ceric ammonium nitrate

Article abstract of DOI:10.3390/12102364

It is shown that the N-(p-ethoxyphenyl) group on β-lactams can be oxidatively removed by ceric ammonium nitrate in good yield. Fourteen new N-(p-ethoxyphenyl)-2-azetidinones 8a-n were synthesized through standard [2+2] ketene-imine cycloadditions (Staudinger reaction). Treatment of these compounds with ceric ammonium nitrate yielded the N-dearylated 2-azetidinones 9a-n in good to excellent yields. The effects of solvent, molar equiv of CAN and different temperatures have been investigated and optimum conditions were established.

Full text of DOI:10.3390/12102364

Molecules 2007, 12, 2364-2379
molecules
ISSN 1420-3049
© 2007 by MDPI
www.mdpi.org/molecules
Full Paper
Synthesis of Novel N-(4-Ethoxyphenyl) Azetidin-2-ones and
Their Oxidative N-Deprotection by Ceric Ammonium Nitrate
Aliasghar Jarrahpour * and Maaroof Zarei
Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71454, Iran;
Tel.: +98 711 2284822; fax: +98 711 2280926
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-mails: (jarrah@chem.susc.ac.ir or
aliasghar6683@yahoo.com)
Received: 20 June 2007; in revised form: 26 August 2007 / Accepted: 26 August 2007 / Published: 25
October 2007
Abstract: It is shown that the N-(p-ethoxyphenyl) group on β-lactams can be oxidatively
removed by ceric ammonium nitrate in good yield. Fourteen new N-(p-ethoxyphenyl)-2-
azetidinones 8a-n were synthesized through standard [2+2] ketene-imine cycloadditions
(Staudinger reaction). Treatment of these compounds with ceric ammonium nitrate yielded
the N-dearylated 2-azetidinones 9a-n in good to excellent yields. The effects of solvent,
molar equiv of CAN and different temperatures have been investigated and optimum
conditions were established.
Keywords: 2-Azetidinones; N-insubstituted β-Lactam; ceric ammonium nitrate;
Staudinger reaction; p-ethoxyphenyl (PEP) group.
Introduction
Protection of the amide-NH is an area of protective group chemistry that has received little
attention, and as a consequence, few good methods exist for amide-NH protection [1]. β-Lactam
antibiotics can be synthesized by various routes, but the preparation of N-unsubstituted (NH) β-lactams
is a common feature [2]. N-Unsubstituted β-lactams play a central role as key intermediates in the
synthesis of several biologically active antibiotics [3]. The importance of these types of compounds for

Molecules 2007, 12
2365
the semi-synthesis of the novel anticancer agents Taxol and Taxotere is also well documented [4].
Benzyl [5], allyl [6], silyl [7], p-methoxyphenyl [8], 4-methoxybenzyl [9], (α-thiophenyl)benzyl [10],
4-(methoxymethoxy)phenyl [11], 2,4-dimethoxybenzyl [12], 3,4-dimethoxybenzyl [13], benzyloxy-
aniline linker [14], Rink resin [15], methyl-p-tolyl-amine [16] and pyrrolidinomethyl [17] groups are
often used for N1-protection of β-lactams and can be deprotected using different methods to give N-
unsubstituted β-lactams. With few exceptions the yields are poor. Furthermore, some methods require
expensive or hard to find starting materials. Toxic and unsafe byproducts which are obtained in some
cases and difficulties in the purification of the main products are other common problems. Among
these methods, oxidative cleavage by ceric ammonium nitrate of a p-methoxyphenyl moiety attached
to the β-lactam ring nitrogen offers the most direct synthesis of N-unsubstituted β-lactams [18]. This
reaction involves oxidation of the aromatic ring to benzoquinone with the release of 1 mole equiv of
MeOH and 1 mole equiv of product amide [19]. In this paper, we report the utility of the
p-ethoxyphenyl (PEP) group as a new protecting group for the protection of N1-2-azetidinones. The
oxidative removal of this group by ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) to yield N-unsubstituted β-lactams
is also reported.
Results and Discussion
To test the feasibility of using the p-ethoxyphenyl (PEP) group, we first examined separately the
reactions of hydroquinone diethyl ether (5) and p-ethoxyaniline (p-phenetidine, 6) with CAN. Thus,
compounds 5 and 6 were oxidatively transformed into p-benzoquinone at room temperature in 66%
and 43% yield, respectively (Scheme 1).
Scheme 1. Reaction of hydroquinone diethyl ether 5 and p-ethoxyaniline 6 with CAN.
O
NH2
OEt
CAN
CAN
MeCN/H2O
43 %
MeCN/H2O
66 %
O
OEt
OEt
6
p-Benzoquinone
5
For our subsequent studies the starting Schiff bases 7a-f were readily obtained in excellent yields
by stirring a mixture of p-phenetidine and the corresponding aldehydes in refluxing ethanol.
Cycloaddition reactions of imines 7a-f with phthalimidioacetyl chloride and phenoxyacetyl chloride in
the presence of triethylamine (Method A) or of imines 7a-b with 2-naphthoxyacetic acid, 2,4-dichloro-
phenoxyacetic acid and methoxyacetic acid in the presence of p-toluenesulfonyl chloride and
triethylamine (Method B) gave cis/trans 2-azetidinones 8a-k and 8l-n, respectively, in good to
excellent yields (Scheme 2, Table 1). The mechanism of the ketene-imine cycloaddition reaction
involves initial nucleophilic attack of the imine nitrogen on the ketene carbonyl to form a zwitterionic
intermediate, which cyclizes to form the β-lactam [21].

Molecules 2007, 12
2366
The FT-IR spectra of 2-azetidinones 8a-n displayed the β-lactam carbonyl at 1743.5-1786.6 cm-1.
The indicated stereochemistry of 2-azetidinones 8a-n was deduced from the coupling constant of H-3
and H-4, which was calculated to be J3,4= 4.2-4-8 Hz for the cis and J3,4= 2.5 Hz for the trans
stereoisomers. The 13C-NMR showed the characteristic lactam carbonyl signal at 161.26-167.78 ppm.
Scheme 2. Synthesis of monocyclic 2-azetidinones 8a-n.
Et3N, CH2Cl2
R2CH2COCl
N=CHR1
Method A :
Method B :
EtO
EtO
+
R2
O
R1
- 10oC to rt
7a-f
N
TsCl , Et3N
CH2Cl2 , rt
R3CH2COOH
N=CHR1
+
OEt
7a-b
8a-n
The phthalimido-2-azetidinones 8a-e showed the C-3 signals at 63.03-63.68 and the C-4 signals at
61.03-62.68 ppm, whereas the alkoxy-2-azetidinones 8f-n showed the corresponding signals at 81.09-
84.74 and 63.59-63.23 ppm, respectively. Other spectroscopic and analytical data were consistent with
the indicated structures.
Table 1. N-(p-Ethoxyphenyl)-2-azetidinones 8a-n.
Entry Schiff base Product Method
R1
4-NO2Ph
4-ClPh
R2
PhthN
PhthN
PhthN
PhthN
PhthN
PhO
cis/trans
trans
trans
trans
trans
cis
Yield %
81
1
2
7a
7b
7c
7d
7e
7a
7b
7c
7d
7e
7f
8a
8b
8c
8d
8e
8f
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
B
B
B
87
3
4-MeOPh
4-MePh
C=CPh
80
4
84
5
88
6
4-NO2Ph
4-ClPh
cis
91
7
8g
8h
8i
PhO
cis
88
8
4-MeOPh
4-MePh
C=CPh
PhO
cis
90
9
PhO
cis
94
10
11
12
13
14
8j
PhO
cis
91
8k
8l
3,4-diMeOPh
4-NO2Ph
4-NO2Ph
4-MePh
PhO
cis
95
7a
7a
7d
2-naphthO
2,4-diClPhO
MeO
cis
84
8m
8n
cis
89
cis
92
According to the reported procedure for N-dearylation of similar 2-azetidinones [8a], β-lactams
8a-n were treated with ceric ammonium nitrate (3 eq.) in aqueous acetonitrile at 0oC for one hour
(Scheme 3) to give NH-β-lactams 9a-n.

Molecules 2007, 12
Scheme 3. N-Dearylation of 2-azetidinones 8a-n with 3 eq CAN at 0oC.
2367
O
R2
R1
R2
O
R1
Solvents
0oC
+ (NH4)2Ce(NO3)6
+
+
EtOH
N
NH
O
O
OEt
8a-n
9a-n
Next we decided to find the optimum condition for N-dearylation of the above 2-azetidinones.
First, N-(p-ethoxyphenyl)-β-lactams 8a-n were treated by CAN (3 eq.) in two different solvents
(MeCN and THF) at 0°C for the times mentioned in Table 2. As shown in Table 2, acetonitrile was a
better solvent than THF. Although the solubility of some substrates (especially 3-phthalimido-2-
azetidinones 8a-e) was not good, the yield was better. The optimum time for these reactions was 30
min, as seen from the table.
Table 2. Reaction of N-(p-ethoxyphenyl)-2-azetidinones 8a-n with 3 eq. CAN at 0°C.
Isolated yield (%) in
CH3CN/H2O (3:1)
Isolated yield (%) in
THF/H2O (2:1)
Entry
Substrate Product
15 min 30 min 1 hr 15 min 30 min 1 hr
1
2
8a
8b
8c
8d
8e
8f
9a
9b
9c
9d
9e
9f
51
33
60
53
65
63
48
62
57
54
53
66
49
69
77
74
81
78
82
80
82
86
84
76
84
80
76
83
76
75
81
77
83
77
82
79
83
78
81
80
79
82
35
56
40
38
48
43
30
42
50
39
58
45
37
47
63
70
55
68
62
53
58
71
65
64
76
59
54
66
62
70
56
69
60
52
60
72
65
65
73
61
50
63
3
4
5
6
7
8g
8h
8i
9g
9h
9i
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
8j
9j
8k
8l
9k
9l
8m
8n
9m
9n
TLC of the reaction mixtures confirmed the presence of p-benzoquinone, which was easily
eliminated by forming the corresponding bisulfite adduct that could be washed out with water after
workup with aqueous NaHSO3 solution. Removal of the p-ethoxyphenyl (PEP) residue generally
resulted in a shift at the β-lactam carbonyl function to a higher field and the appearance of NH peaks in
the IR spectra (see the Experimental section). The formation of NH-β-lactams 9a-n was also
1
confirmed by mass spectra and elemental analyses. The H-NMR spectra exhibited the NH signals at
about 8.41-9.19 ppm as a broad peak in DMSO-d6, which was eliminated by shaking vigorously with
D2O.

Molecules 2007, 12
2368
The mechanism of CAN deprotection of the p-ethoxyphenyl group from amides has not been fully
studied. However experiments on the oxidation of 1,4-dimethoxybenzenes (similar to 1,4-diethoxy
benzenes) to the corresponding quinones have shown that cleavage of the aryl-oxygen bonds requires
two eq. of CAN [20]. Thus, it is found that at least two mol equiv of CAN are needed for the oxidation
of N-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-2-azetidinones 8a-n to N-unsubstituted-2-azetidinones 9a-n. According to
Table 3, it is shown that 2.8 mol eq. of CAN is sufficient for completing the oxidative N-dearylation of
N-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-2-azetidinones 8a-n (except for 8e). Deprotection of compound 8e needed three
eq. of CAN to complete conversion to 9e in 82% yield.
Table 3. Deprotection of 2-azetidinones 8a-n by different molar of CAN in MeCN/H2O
(3/1) at 0oC.
Isolated yield (%) per molar equiv of CAN
Entry
Substrate
Product
2.0
22
18
31
17
14
24
34
30
29
19
27
22
18
33
2.5
48
42
51
37
32
44
53
49
40
31
49
47
40
53
2.8
78
74
82
77
73
80
84
85
85
76
84
80
76
83
3.0
77
74
81
78
82
80
82
86
84
76
84
80
76
83
3.5
75
75
82
75
81
79
76
85
83
76
82
80
76
84
1
2
8a
8b
8c
8d
8e
8f
9a
9b
9c
9d
9e
9f
3
4
5
6
7
8g
8h
8i
9g
9h
9i
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
8j
9j
8k
8l
9k
9l
8m
8n
9m
9n
The effect of different temperatures on this oxidation was studied next. 2-Azetidinones 8a-n were
treated separately with CAN for 30 min in aqueous acetonitrile at -10°C, 0°C and room temperature
(RT). As shown in Table 4, nearly identical yields of NH-β-lactams 9a-n were obtained at 0°C and
RT. The lower yield of N-unsubstituted β-lactams in aqueous acetonitrile at -10oC may be attributed to
the low solubility of 2-azetidinones 8a-n at that temperature.
According to a reported mechanism for the cleavage of p-methoxyphenyl group [21], following
mechanism shown in Scheme 4 is suggested for the oxidative cleavage of p-ethoxyphenyl moiety.

Molecules 2007, 12
Table 4. Deprotection of β-lactams 8a-n by 2.8 molar eq. of CAN for 30 min at different
2369
temperatures.
Isolated yield (%) at low temperatures
Entry
Substrate
Product
- 10 oC
0 oC
78
74
82
77
73
80
84
85
85
76
84
79
78
83
RT
75
76
81
77
71
81
83
85
86
78
83
80
74
85
1
2
8a
8b
8c
8d
8e
8f
9a
9b
9c
9d
9e
9f
31
34
3
38
4
30
5
43
6
42
7
8g
8h
8i
9g
9h
9i
48
8
50
9
43
10
11
12
13
14
8j
9j
44
8k
8l
9k
9l
43
47
8m
8n
9m
9n
39
49
Scheme 4
R2
O
R1
R2
O
R2
R1
R2
O
R1
R1
[Ce(NO3)6]-2
- [Ce(NO3)6]-3
[Ce(NO3)6]-2
- [Ce(NO3)6]-3
- H+
OH2
N
N
N
N
O
+
OH
OH
OEt
OEt
N
8a-n
OEt
OEt
O
H2O
- H+
R2
O
R2
O
R1
NH
R1
OH
R2
O
R1
OH
- EtOH
+
N
O
OH
OEt
p-benzoquinone
9a-n
O
Conclusions
In conclusion, in this study it was shown that the p-ethoxyphenyl group can be introduced onto the
2-azetidinone skeleton as a suitable N-protective group. Furthermore it can easily be removed by CAN
under mild conditions. It should be noted that the R1 and R2 substitution on the β-lactam ring and the
stereochemistry of the ring remain intact during the course of reaction. In addition to good to excellent
yields of the products, ethanol is formed in this oxidation reaction, which is a less toxic and friendlier

Molecules 2007, 12
2370
byproduct for the environment than methanol. It is noteworthy that this oxidative cleavage is rapid and
can be performed at room temperature.
Experimental
General
All required chemicals were purchased from the Merck or Fluka chemical companies.
Dichloromethane and triethylamine were dried by distillation over CaH2 and then stored over 4Å
1
molecular sieves. IR spectra were run on a Shimadzu FT-IR 8300 spectrophotometer. H- and 13C-
NMR spectra were recorded in DMSO-d6 or CDCl3 using a Bruker Avance DPX instrument (1H-NMR
at 250 MHz, 13C-NMR at 62.9 MHz, respectively). Chemical shifts are reported in ppm (δ) downfield
from TMS. All the coupling constants (J) are given in Hertz. The mass spectra were recorded on a
Shimadzu GC-MS QP 1000 EX instrument. Elemental analyses were run on a Thermo Finnigan Flash
EA-1112 series. Melting points were determined in open capillaries with a Buchi 510 melting point
apparatus and are not corrected. Thin-layer chromatography was carried out on silica gel 254
analytical sheets obtained from Fluka. Column chromatography was performed on Merck Kieselguhr
(230-270 mesh).
General procedure for synthesis of Schiff bases 7a-f.
A mixture of p-ethoxyaniline (20.0 mmol) and corresponding aldehyde (20.0 mmol) was refluxed
in EtOH for 2-4 hours. After cooling the solutions, the precipitate formed was filtered off and washed
with ethanol to give pure Schiff bases 7a-f as colored solid or crystals in excellent yields.
(4-Nitrobenzylidene)-(4-ethoxyphenyl)amine (7a). Brown solid (from p-phenetidine and 4-nitro-
benzaldehyde); yield 97 %; m.p. 124-126 oC; IR (KBr) (cm-1) 1620.1 (C=N); 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ 1.33
13
(Me, t, 3H), 3.88 (OCH2, q, 2H), 6.81-8.18 (ArH, m, 8H), 8.44 (HC=N, s, 1H); C-NMR (CDCl3) δ
14.82 (Me), 63.73 (OCH2), 115.05-154.52 (aromatic carbons), 158.66 (C=N); GC-MS m/z = 270 [M+];
Anal. calcd. for C15H14N2O3: C, 66.66; H, 5.22; N, 10.36. Found: C, 66.62; H, 5.39; N, 10.32.
(4-Chlorobenzylidene)-(4-ethoxyphenyl)amine (7b). Milky-coloured solid (from p-phenetidine and
4-chlorobenzaldehyde); yield 94 %; m.p. 92-94 °C; IR (KBr) (cm-1) 1620.1 (C=N);1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ
1.43 (Me, t, 3H), 4.00 (OCH2, q, 2H), 6.87-7.80 (ArH, m, 8H), 8.39 (HC=N, s, 1H); 13C-NMR (CDCl3)
δ 14.84 (Me), 63.63 (OCH2), 114.94-156.43 (aromatic carbons), 157.85 (C=N); GC-MS m/z = 261
[M+, 37Cl], 259 [M+, 35Cl]; Anal. calcd. for C15H14ClNO: C, 69.36; H, 5.43; N, 5.39. Found: C, 69.29;
H, 5.49; N, 5.44.
(4-Methoxybenzylidene)-(4-ethoxyphenyl)amine (7c). Milky-colour solid (from p-phenetidine and
1
4-methoxybenzaldehyde); yield 95 %; m.p. 128-130°C; IR (KBr) (cm-1) 1612.4 (C=N); H-NMR
(CDCl3) δ 1.41 (Me, t, 3H), 3.86 (OMe, s, 3H), 4.03 (OCH2, q, 2H), 6.88-7.83 (ArH, m, 8H), 8.39
(HC=N, s, 1H); 13C-NMR (CDCl3) δ 14.88 (Me), 55.37 (OMe), 63.64 (OCH2), 114.12-157.73

Molecules 2007, 12
2371
(aromatic carbons), 161.95 (C=N); GC-MS m/z = 255 [M+]; Anal. calcd. for C16H17NO2: C, 75.27; H,
6.71; N, 5.49. Found: C, 75.17; H, 6.80; N, 5.45.
(4-Methylbenzylidene)-(4-ethoxyphenyl)amine (7d). Yellow solid (from p-phenetidine and 4-methyl-
1
benzaldehyde); yield 93 %; m.p. 87-89 °C; IR (KBr) (cm-1) 1609.8 (C=N); H-NMR (CDCl3) δ 1.31
(Me, t, 3H), 2.36 (Me, s, 3H), 4.00 (OCH2, q, 2H), 6.85-7.76 (ArH, m, 8H), 8.39 (HC=N, s, 1H); 13C-
NMR (CDCl3) δ 14.84, 21.54 (2Me), 63.57 (OCH2), 114.87-157.48 (aromatic carbons), 158.16 (C=N);
GC-MS m/z = 239 [M+]; Anal. calcd. for C16H17NO: C, 80.30; H, 7.16; N, 5.85 Found: C, 80.35; H,
7.23; N, 5.89.
(4-Cinnamylidene)-(4-ethoxyphenyl)amine (7e). Light yellow solid (from p-phenetidine and
cinnamaldehyde); yield 96 %; m.p. 76-78 oC; IR (KBr) (cm-1) 1622.5 (C=N); 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ 1.40
13
(Me, t, 3H), 4.01 (OCH2, q, 2H), 6.87-7.52 (ArH and CH=CH, m, 11H), 8.26 (HC=N, d, 1H); C-
NMR (CDCl3) δ 14.84 (Me), 63.61 (OCH2), 114.94-157.78 (C=C and aromatic carbons), 159.29
(C=N); GC-MS m/z = 251 [M+]; Anal. calcd. for C17H17NO: C, 81.24; H, 6.82; N, 5.57. Found: C,
81.19; H, 6.78; N, 5.52.
(3,4-Dimethoxybenzylidene)-(4-ethoxyphenyl)amine (7f). Green-yellow solid (from p-phenetidine and
1
3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde); yield 94 %; m.p. 82-84 °C. IR (KBr) (cm-1) 1619.7 (C=N); H-NMR
(CDCl3) δ 1.39 (Me, t, 3H), 3.89, 3.95 (2OMe, 2s, 6H), 4.00 (OCH2, q, 2H), 6.85-7.59 (ArH, m, 7H),
8.34 (HC=N, s, 1H); 13C-NMR (CDCl3) δ 14.86 (Me), 55.91 (OMe), 63.57 (OCH2), 108.73-157.35
(aromatic carbons), 157.78 (C=N); GC-MS m/z = 285 [M+]; Anal. calcd. for C17H19NO3: C, 71.56; H,
6.71; N, 4.91. Found: C, 71.60; H, 6.67; N, 4.94.
Typical experimental procedure for the synthesis of 2-azetidinones 8a-n
Method A. A solution of the corresponding acyl chlorides (1.50 mmol) in dry CH2Cl2 (10 mL) was
slowly added to a solution of Schiff bases 7a-f (1.00 mmol) and triethylamine (3.00 mmol) in CH2Cl2
o
(15 mL) at –10 C. The reaction mixture was then allowed to warm to room temperature, stirred
overnight and then it was washed successively with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution (20 mL)
and brine (20 mL), dried (Na2SO4) and the solvent was evaporated to give the crude product which
was then purified by column chromatography or recrystalization from EtOAc.
Method B. A solution of Schiff base 7a-b (1.0 eq.) was stirred with the corresponding substituted
acetic acid (1.5 eq.), p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (1.5 eq.) and triethylamine (4-5 eq.) in dry CH2Cl2 at
room temperature. After 8 to 10 h, the mixture was washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution
and brine, dried over sodium sulfate and the solvent was evaporated to give the crude product which
was then purified by recrystalization from EtOAc, unless stated otherwise.
2-(1-(4-Ethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-nitrophenyl)-4-oxoazetidin-3-yl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (8a). Yield: 81%;
1
mp: 190-192 °C; IR (CHCl3) cm-1: 1738.0, 1776.2 (CO, phth), 1788.8 (CO, β-lactam); H-NMR
(DMSO-d6) δ 1.29 (Me, t, 3H), 3.92 (OCH2, q, 2H), 5.32 (H-4, d, 1H, J=2.5), 5.70 (H-3, d, 1H, J=2.5),

Molecules 2007, 12
2372
13
6.92-8.27 (ArH, m, 12H); C-NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 14.40 (Me), 58.33 (OCH2), 61.52 (C-4), 63.26 (C-
3), 115.00-155.38 (aromatic carbons), 161.11 (CO, phth), 166.63 (CO, β-lactam); GC-MS m/z = 457
[M+]; Anal. calcd. for C25H19N3O6: C, 65.64; H, 4.19; N, 9.19. Found: C, 65.69; H, 4.13; N, 9.22.
2-(2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-1-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-4-oxoazetidin-3-yl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (8b). Yield: 87 %;
1
mp: 211-213 °C IR (CHCl3) cm-1: 1720.4, 1758.9 (CO, phth), 1786.6 (CO, β-lactam); H-NMR
(CDCl3) δ 1.37 (Me, t, 3H), 3.97 (OCH2, q, 2H), 5.22 (H-4, d, 1H, J=2.5), 5.32 (H-3, d, 1H, J=2.5),
13
6.78-7.76 (ArH, m, 12H); C-NMR (CDCl3) δ 14.78 (Me), 60.68 (OCH2), 62.68 (C-4), 63.68 (C-3),
115.02-156.01 (aromatic carbons), 161.23 (CO, phth), 166.78 (CO, β-lactam); GC-MS m/z = 448 [M+,
35
37Cl], 446 [M+, Cl]; Anal. Calcd for C25H19ClN2O4: C, 67.19; H, 4.29; N, 6.27. Found: C, 67.16; H,
4.27; N, 6.24.
2-(1-(4-Ethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-oxoazetidin-3-yl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (8c). Yield: 80
o
1
%; mp: 199-201 C IR (CHCl3) cm-1: 1724.2, 1758.9 (CO, phth), 1778.0 (CO, β-lactam); H-NMR
(CDCl3) δ 1.09 (Me, t, 3H), 3.74 (OCH2, q, 2H), 4.19 (OMe, s, 3H), 4.96 (H-4, d, 1H, J=2.5), 5.20 (H-
3, d, 1H, J=2.5), 6.62-7.73 (ArH, m, 12H); 13C-NMR (CDCl3) δ 14.50 (Me), 55.04 (OCH2), 59.65
(OMe), 61.90 (C-4), 63.05 (C-3), 114.27-161.43 (aromatic carbons), 164.24 (CO, phth), 167.57 (CO,
β-lactam); GC-MS m/z = 442 [M+]; Anal. calcd. for C26H22N2O5: C, 70.58; H, 5.01; N, 6.33. Found: C,
70.63; H, 5.05; N, 6.28.
2-(1-(4-Ethoxyphenyl)-2-oxo-4-p-tolylazetidin-3-yl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (8d). Yield: 84 % mp: 202-
1
204 °C; IR (KBr) cm-1: 174.2, 1776.2 (CO, phth), 1788.7 (CO, β-lactam); H-NMR (CDCl3) δ 1.35
(Me, t, 3H), 2.33 (Me, s, 3H), 3.94 (OCH2, q, 2H), 5.25 (H-4, d, 1H, J=2.5), 5.32 (H-3, d, 1H, J=2.5),
6.68-7.85 (ArH, m, 12H); 13C-NMR (CDCl3) δ 14.30, 20.73 (2Me), 60.70 (OCH2), 62.27 (C-4), 63.13
(C-3), 114.41-155.32 (aromatic carbons), 161.11 (CO, phth), 166.35 (CO, β-lactam); GC-MS m/z =
426 [M+]; Anal. calcd. for C26H22N2O4: C, 70.58; H, 5.01; N, 6.33. Found: C, 70.64; H, 5.05; N, 6.37.
2-(1-(4-Ethoxyphenyl)-2-oxo-4-styrylazetidin-3-yl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (8e). Yield: 88 %; mp: 161-
163 °C; IR (CHCl3) cm-1: 1724.2, 1758.5 (CO, phth), 1774.7 (CO, β-lactam); 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ 1.37
(Me, t, 3H), 2.33 (Me, s, 3H), 3.97 (OCH2, q, 2H), 5.03 (H-4, dd, 1H, J=5.5, 8.5), 5.68 (H-3, d, 1H,
J=5.5), 6.32 (H-5, dd, J=8.5, 16.0), 6.85 (H-6, d, 1H, J=9.0), 7.19-7.82 (ArH, m, 13H); 13C-NMR
(CDCl3) δ 14.78 (Me), 57.69 (OCH2), 61.04 (C-4), 63.67 (C-3), 114.99-155.82 (C=C, aromatic
carbons), 160.56 (CO, phth), 167.28 (CO, β-lactam); GC-MS m/z = 438 [M+]; Anal. calcd. for
C27H22N2O4: C, 73.96; H, 5.06; N, 6.39. Found: C, 74.02; H, 5.09; N, 6.33.
1-(4-Ethoxyphenyl)-4-(4-nitrophenyl)-3-phenoxyazetidin-2-one
(8f).
Purified
by
column
chromatography (eluent: 6:4 hexane-EtOAc); yield: 91 %; mp: 180-182 °C; IR (KBr) cm-1: 1743.5
1
(CO, β-lactam); H-NMR (CDCl3) δ 1.30 (Me, t, 3H), 3.89 (OCH2, q, 2H), 5.39 (H-4, d, 1H, J=4.8),
13
5.55 (H-3, d, 1H, J=4.8), 6.68-8.08 (ArH, m, 13H); C-NMR (CDCl3) δ 14.74 (Me), 61.11 (OCH2),
63.72 (C-4), 81.24 (C-3), 115.17-156.49 (aromatic carbons), 161.82 (CO, β-lactam); GC-MS m/z =
404[M+]; Anal. calcd. for C23H20N2O5: C, 68.31; H, 4.98; N, 6.93. Found: C, 68.28; H, 5.05; N, 6.88.

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4-(4-Chlorophenyl)-1-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-3-phenoxyazetidin-2-one (8g). Yield: 88 %; mp: 164-166 °C;
IR (KBr) cm-1:1746.5 (CO, β-lactam); 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ 1.31 (Me, t, 3H), 3.87 (OCH2, q, 2H), 5.24
13
(H-4, d, 1H, J=4.8), 5.45 (H-3, d, 1H, J=4.8), 6.68-7.23 (ArH, m, 13H); C-NMR (CDCl3) δ 14.77
(Me), 61.41 (OCH2), 63.68 (C-4), 81.09 (C-3), 115.03-156.78 (aromatic carbons), 162.26 (CO, β-
lactam); GC-MS m/z = 395[M+, 37Cl], 393 [M+, 35Cl]; Anal. calcd. for C23H20ClNO3: C, 70.14; H,
5.12; N, 3.56. Found: C, 70.24; H, 5.17; N, 3.50.
1-(4-Ethoxyphenyl)-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-phenoxyazetidin-2-one (8h). Purified by column
chromatography (eluent: 7:3 hexane-EtOAc); yield: 90 %; mp: 168-170 °C; IR (KBr) cm-1:1753.5
1
(CO, β-lactam); H-NMR (CDCl3) δ 1.30 (Me, t, 3H), 3.64 (OMe, s, 3H), 3.88 (OCH2, q, 2H), 5.21
13
(H-4, d, 1H, J=4.7), 5.41 (H-3, d, 1H, J=4.7), 6.69-7.23 (ArH, m, 13H); C-NMR (CDCl3) δ 14.79
(Me), 55.17 (OMe), 61.79 (OCH2), 63.65 (C-4), 81.23 (C-3), 113.84-159.84 (aromatic carbons),
162.56 (CO, β-lactam); GC-MS m/z = 389 [M+]; Anal. calcd. for C24H23NO4: C, 74.02; H, 5.95; N,
3.60. Found: C, 73.97; H, 5.90; N, 3.64.
1-(4-Ethoxyphenyl)-3-phenoxy-4-p-tolylazetidin-2-one (8i). Yield: 94 %; mp: 165-167 °C; IR (CHCl3)
1
cm-1: 1751.2 (CO, β-lactam); H-NMR (CDCl3) δ 1.31 (Me, t, 3H), 2.25 (Me, s, 3H), 3.91 (OCH2, q,
2H), 5.28 (H-4, d, 1H, J=4.8), 5.47 (H-3, d, 1H, J=4.8), 6.74-7.30 (ArH, m, 13H); 13C-NMR (CDCl3) δ
14.76, 21.17 (2Me), 61.98 (OCH2), 63.60 (C-4), 81.24 (C-3), 114.91-157.08 (aromatic carbons),
162.55 (CO, β-lactam); GC-MS m/z = 373 [M+]; Anal. calcd. for C24H23NO3: C, 77.19; H, 6.21; N,
3.75. Found: C, 77.25; H, 6.26; N, 3.73.
1-(4-Ethoxyphenyl)-3-phenoxy-4-styrylazetidin-2-one (8j). Yield: 91 %; mp: 171-173 °C; IR (CHCl3)
cm-1: 1749.3 (CO, β-lactam); 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ 1.30 (Me, t, 3H), 3.90 (OCH2, q, 2H), 4.90 (H-4, dd,
1H, J=4.9, 8.5), 5.37 (H-3, d, 1H, J=4.9), 6.23 (H-5, dd, J=8.5, 16.0), 6.75 (H-6, d, 1H, J=16.0), 6.87-
7.38 (ArH, m, 14H); 13C-NMR (CDCl3) δ 14.80 (Me), 61.12 (OCH2), 63.70 (C-4), 81.48 (C-3),
115.01-157.42 (C=C, aromatic carbons), 162.23 (CO, β-lactam); GC-MS m/z = 385 [M+]; Anal. calcd.
for C25H23NO3: C, 77.90; H, 6.01; N, 3.63. Found: C, 77.97; H, 6.06; N, 3.60.
4-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-1-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-3-phenoxyazetidin-2-one (8k). Yield: 95 %; mp: 186-188
1
°C; IR (KBr) cm-1: 1758.2 (CO, β-lactam); H-NMR (CDCl3) δ 1.36 (Me, t, 3H), 3.75, 3.81 (2OMe,
2s, 6H), 3.95 (OCH2, q, 2H), 5.28 (H-4, d, 1H, J=4.2), 5.52 (H-3, d, 1H, J=4.2), 6.74-7.33 (ArH, m,
12H); 13C-NMR (CDCl3) δ 14.77 (Me), 55.76, 55.94 (2OMe), 62.05 (OCH2), 63.64 (C-4), 81.11 (C-3),
110.78-156.96 (aromatic carbons), 162.50 (CO, β-lactam); GC-MS m/z = 419 [M+]; Anal. calcd. for
C25H25NO5: C, 71.58; H, 6.01; N, 3.34. Found: C, 71.63; H, 5,98; N, 3.38.
1-(4-Ethoxyphenyl)-3-(naphthalen-2-yloxy)-4-(4-nitrophenyl)azetidin-2-one (8l). Yield: 84 %; mp:
174-176 °C; IR (KBr) cm-1: 1750.6 (CO, β-lactam); 1H-NMR (CDCl3) δ 1.39 (Me, t, 3H), 3.95 (OCH2,
q, 2H), 5.51 (H-4, d, 1H, J=4.8), 5.74 (H-3, d, 1H, J=4.8), 6.79-8.11 (ArH, m, 15H); 13C-NMR
(CDCl3) δ 14.75 (Me), 61.08 (OCH2), 63.73 (C-4), 81.16 (C-3), 108.98-156.28 (aromatic carbons),
161.70 (CO, β-lactam); GC-MS m/z = 454 [M+]; Anal. calcd. for C27H22N2O5: C, 71.35; H, 4.88; N,
6.16. Found: C, 71.41; H, 4.92; N, 6.20.

Molecules 2007, 12
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3-(2,4-Dichlorophenoxy)-1-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-4-(4-nitrophenyl)azetidin-2-one (8m). Purified by
column chromatography (eluent: 6:4 hexane-EtOAc); yield: 89 %; mp: 160-162 °C; IR (KBr) cm-1:
1
1747.8 (CO, β-lactam); H-NMR (CDCl3) δ 1.37 (Me, t, 3H), 3.96 (OCH2, q, 2H), 5.52 (H-4, d, 1H,
13
J=5.1), 5.56 (H-3, d, 1H, J=5.1), 6.78-8.22 (ArH, m, 11H); C-NMR (CDCl3) δ 14.74 (Me), 60.44
(OCH2), 63.73 (C-4), 81.84 (C-3), 115.19-156.38 (aromatic carbons), 161.26 (CO, β-lactam); GC-MS
m/z = 476 [M+, 37Cl], 474, 472 [M+, 35Cl]; Anal. calcd. for C23H18Cl2N2O5: C, 58.37; H, 3.83; N, 5.92.
Found: C, 58.32; H, 3.88; N, 5.89.
1-(4-Ethoxyphenyl)-3-methoxy-4-p-tolylazetidin-2-one (8n). Yield: 92 %; mp: 133-135 °C; IR (KBr)
1
cm-1: 1744.5 (CO, β-lactam); H-NMR (CDCl3) δ 1.34 (Me, t, 3H), 2.34 (Me, s, 3H), 3.94 (OCH2, q,
2H), 4.76 (H-4, d, 1H, J=4.7), 5.12 (H-3, d, 1H, J=4.7), 6.73-7.28 (ArH, m, 15H); 13C-NMR (CDCl3) δ
14.77, 21.24 (2Me), 61.61 (OCH2), 63.59 (C-4), 84.74 (C-3), 114.85-155.64 (aromatic carbons),
163.78 (CO, β-lactam); GC-MS m/z = 311 [M+]; Anal. calcd. for C19H21NO3: C, 73.29; H, 6.80; N,
4.50. Found: C, 73.34; H, 6.85; N, 4.47.
Typical experimental procedure for the synthesis of N-unsubstituted β-lactams 9a-n
A solution of (NH4)2Ce(NO3)6 (CAN, 2.0-3.5 mmol) in water (15 mL) was added dropwise to a
solution of the β-lactam 8a-n (1.00 mmol) in CH3CN or THF (30 mL) at the temperature mentioned in
Table 3. The mixture was stirred at corresponding temperature for the mentioned time, then water (30
mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (3×20 mL) and washed with 10 % aqueous
NaHCO3 (40 mL). The aqueous layer of NaHCO3 was extracted again with EtOAc (15 mL) and all
organic layers were combined and washed successively with 10 % NaHSO3 (2×30 mL), 10 %
NaHCO3 (20 mL) and brine (20 mL) and then dried over sodium sulfate. After filtration and
evaporation of the solvent in vacuo, the crude product was purified by column chromatography or
recrystalization from diethyl ether, as indicated.
2-(2-(4-Nitrophenyl)-4-oxoazetidin-3-yl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (9a). Purified by recrystalization; yield:
77 %; mp: 210-212 °C; IR (CHCl3) cm-1: 1736.3, 1776.7 (CO, phth), 1785.5 (CO, β-lactam), 3373.5
(NH); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 4.99 (H-3, d, 1H, J=2.5), 5.70 (H-4, dd, 1H, J=1.3, 2.5), 7.38-8.27 (ArH,
m, 8H), 9.11 (NH, brs, 1H); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 59.51 (C-4), 62.49 (C-3), 123.19-147.12
(aromatic carbons), 164.33 (CO, phth), 166.24 (CO, β-lactam); GC-MS m/z = 337 [M+]; Anal. calcd.
for C17H11N3O5: C, 60.54; H, 3.29; N, 12.46. Found: C, 60.60; H, 3.32; N, 12.51.
2-(2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-4-oxoazetidin-3-yl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (9b). Purified by recrystalization;
yield: 74 %; mp: 196-198 °C; IR (CHCl3) cm-1: 1733.9, 1777.0 (CO, phth), 1785.0 (CO, β-lactam),
1
3373.5 (NH); H-NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 4.92 (H-3, d, 1H, J=2.5), 5.04 (H-4, dd, 1H, J=2.5, 3.2), 7.41-
7.92 (ArH, m, 8H), 9.01 (NH, brs, 1H); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 54.96 (C-4), 62.53 (C-3), 123.37-
37
138.08 (aromatic carbons), 164.48 (CO, phth), 166.70 (CO, β-lactam); GC-MS m/z = 328 [M+, Cl],
35
326 [M+, Cl]; Anal. calcd. for C17H11ClN2O3: C, 62.49; H, 3.39; N, 8.57. Found: C, 62.55; H, 3.43;
N, 8.54.

Molecules 2007, 12
2375
2-(2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-4-oxoazetidin-3-yl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (9c). Purified by recrystalization;
yield: 81 %; mp: 190-192 °C; IR (KBr) cm-1: 1735.7, 1775.6 (CO, phth), 1790.2 (CO, β-lactam),
3354.4 (NH); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 3.81 (OMe, s, 3H), 4.94 (H-3, d, 1H, J=2.5), 5.03 (H-4, dd, 1H,
J=2.5, 3.1), 7.43-8.01 (ArH, m, 8H), 8.98 (NH, brs, 1H); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 55.08 (OMe), 55.19
(C-4), 62.69 (C-3), 113.92-159.09 (aromatic carbons), 164.60 (CO, phth), 166.73 (CO, β-lactam); GC-
MS m/z = 322 [M+]; Anal. calcd. for C18H14N2O4: C, 67.07; H, 4.38; N, 8.69. Found: C, 67.11; H,
4.34; N, 8.65.
2-(2-Oxo-4-p-tolylazetidin-3-yl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (9d). Purified by recrystalization; yield: 78 %;
mp: 197-199 °C; IR (CHCl3) cm-1: 1740.0, 1775.0 (CO, phth), 1785.0 (CO, β-lactam), 3480.5 (NH);
1H-NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 2.35 (Me, s, 3H), 4.94 (H-4, dd, 1H, J=2.5, 3.5), 5.04 (H-3, d, 1H, J=2.5),
13
7.23-8.03 (ArH, m, 8H), 9.02 (NH, brs, 1H); C-NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 20.68 (Me), 55.43 (C-4), 62.63
(C-3), 123.39-137.27 (aromatic carbons), 164.56 (CO, phth), 166.71 (CO, β-lactam); GC-MS m/z =
306 [M+]; Anal. calcd. for C18H14N2O3: C, 70.58; H, 4.61; N, 9.15. Found: C, 70.62; H, 4.58; N, 9.21.
2-(2-Oxo-4-styrylazetidin-3-yl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (9e). Purified by recrystalization; yield: 82 %;
mp: 168-170 °C; IR (CHCl3) cm-1: 1726.2, 1768.6 (CO, phth), 1784.0 (CO, β-lactam), 3417.0 (NH);
1H-NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 4.72 (H-4, m, 1H), 5.60 (H-3, d, 1H, J=5.2), 6.25 (H-5, dd, 1H, J=7.6, 16.0),
6.70 (H-6, d, 1H, J=16.0), 7.22-7.92 (ArH, m, 9H), 8.85 (NH, brs, 1H); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 55.38
(C-4), 58.69 (C-3), 123.42-135.69 (C=C, aromatic carbons), 164.06 (CO, phth), 166.93 (CO, β-
lactam); GC-MS m/z = 318 [M+]; Anal. calcd. for C19H14N2O3: C, 71.69; H, 4.43; N, 8.80. Found: C,
71.74; H, 4.49; N, 8.78.
4-(4-Nitrophenyl)-3-phenoxyazetidin-2-one (9f). Purified by column chromatography (eluent: 4:6
1
hexane-EtOAc); yield: 80 %; mp: 160-162 °C; IR (KBr) cm-1: 1774.4 (CO), 3247.9 (NH); H-NMR
(DMSO-d6) δ 5.33 (H-3, d, 1H, J=4.8), 5.77 (H-4, dd, 1H, J=2.2, 4.8), 6.77-8.20 (ArH, m, 9H), 9.10
13
(NH, brs, 1H); C-NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 56.01 (C-4), 82.71 (C-3), 115.04-156.24 (aromatic carbons),
165.78 (CO, β-lactam); GC-MS m/z = 284 [M+]; Anal. calcd. for C15H12N2O4: C, 63.38; H, 4.25; N,
9.85. Found: C, 63.44; H, 4.30; N, 9.87.
4-(4-Chlorophenyl)-3-phenoxyazetidin-2-one (9g). Purified by recrystalization; yield: 82 %; mp: 188-
1
190 °C; IR (KBr) cm-1: 1773.5 (CO), 3420.0 (NH); H-NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 5.09 (H-3, d, 1H, J=4.5),
13
5.61 (H-4, dd, 1H, J=2.1, 4.5), 6.77-7.32 (ArH, m, 9H), 8.89 (NH, brs, 1H); C-NMR (DMSO-d6) δ
56.91 (C-4), 82.26 (C-3), 114.98-156.34 (aromatic carbons), 165.90 (CO, β-lactam); GC-MS m/z =
37
35
275 [M+, Cl], 273 [M+, Cl]; Anal. calcd. for C15H12ClNO2: C, 65.82; H, 4.42; N, 5.12. Found: C,
65.78; H, 4.46; N, 5.08.
4-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-3-phenoxyazetidin-2-one (9h). Purified by recrystalization; yield: 86 %; mp:
157-159 °C; IR (CHCl3) cm-1: 1776.3 (CO), 3409.9 (NH); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 3.66 (MeO, s, 3H),
5.02 (H-3, d, 1H, J=4.3), 5.52 (H-4, dd, 1H, J=1.8, 4.3), 6.55-7.35 (ArH, m, 9H), 9.08 (NH, brs, 1H);
13C-NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 54.83 (OMe), 56.45 (C-4), 81.76 (C-3), 113.19-158.68 (aromatic carbons),

Molecules 2007, 12
2376
166.84 (CO, β-lactam); GC-MS m/z = 269 [M+]; Anal. calcd. for C16H15NO3: C, 71.36; H, 5.61; N,
5.20. Found: C, 71.42; H, 5.66; N, 5.24.
3-Phenoxy-4-p-tolylazetidin-2-one (9i). Purified by recrystalization; yield: 84 %; mp: 180-182 °C; IR
1
(KBr) cm-1: 1773.9 (CO), 3300.0 (NH); H-NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 1.95 (Me, s, 3H), 4.81 (H-3, d, 1H,
J=4.4), 5.32 (H-4, dd, 1H, J=2.2, 4.4), 6.54-6.98 (ArH, m, 9H), 8.60 (NH, brs, 1H); 13C-NMR
(DMSO-d6) δ 20.62 (Me), 56.52 (C-4), 82.34 (C-3), 115.07-156.66 (aromatic carbons), 166.14 (CO, β-
lactam); GC-MS m/z = 253 [M+]; Anal. calcd. for C16H15NO2: C, 75.87; H, 5.97; N, 5.53. Found: C,
75.84; H, 6.03; N, 5.48.
3-Phenoxy-4-styrylazetidin-2-one (9j). Purified by column chromatography (eluent: 5:5 hexane-
EtOAc); yield: 76 %; mp: 190-192 °C; IR (KBr) cm-1: 1775.7 (CO), 3310.0 (NH); 1H-NMR (DMSO-
d6) δ 4.64 (H-4, m, 1H,), 5.51 (H-3, d, 1H, J= 4.3), 6.18 (H-5, dd, 1H, J= 7.4, 15.9), 6.65 (H-6, d, 1H,
J= 15.9), 6.90-7.33 (ArH, m, 9H), 8.96 (NH, brs, 1H); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 60.67 (C-4), 87.47 (C-
3), 120.30-162.15 (C=C, aromatic carbons), 170.78 (CO, β-lactam); GC-MS m/z = 265 [M+]; Anal.
calcd. for C17H15NO2: C, 76.96; H, 5.70; N, 5.28. Found: C, 76.92; H, 5.77; N, 5.24.
4-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-3-phenoxyazetidin-2-one (9k). Purified by recrystalization; yield: 86 %; mp:
140-142 °C; IR (KBr) cm-1: 1777.7 (CO), 3418.9 (NH); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 3.58, 3.66 (2MeO, 2s,
6H), 5.03 (H-3, d, 1H, J=4.0), 5.58 (H-4, dd, 1H, J=2.2, 4.0), 6.64-7.26 (ArH, m, 8H), 8.83 (NH, brs,
1H); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 55.23, 55.25 (2OMe), 56.40 (C-4), 81.13 (C-3), 111.02-156.59 (aromatic
carbons), 165.98 (CO, β-lactam); GC-MS m/z = 299 [M+]; Anal. calcd. for C17H17NO4: C, 68.21; H,
5.72; N, 4.68. Found: C, 68.31; H, 5.79; N, 4.73.
3-(Naphthalen-2-yloxy)-4-(4-nitrophenyl)azetidin-2-one (9l). Purified by column chromatography
(eluent: 5:5 hexane-EtOAc); yield: 83 %; mp: 172-174 °C; IR IR (KBr) cm-1: 1769.6 (CO), 3354.4
(NH); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 5.38 (H-3, d, 1H, J=4.5), 5.86 (H-4, dd, 1H, J=2.3, 4.5), 7.31-7.78 (ArH,
m, 11H), 9.10 (NH, brs, 1H); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 56.05 (C-4), 82.71 (C-3), 117.51-147.53
(aromatic carbons), 165.66 (CO, β-lactam); GC-MS m/z = 334 [M+]; Anal. calcd. for C19H14N2O4: C,
68.26; H, 4.22; N, 8.38. Found: C, 68.23; H, 4.26; N, 8.42.
3-(2,4-Dichlorophenoxy)-4-(4-nitrophenyl)azetidin-2-one (9m). Purified by column chromatography
(eluent: 5:5 hexane-EtOAc); yield: 78 %; mp: 160-162 °C; IR (KBr) cm-1: 1775.5 (CO), 3320.5 (NH);
1H-NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 5.34 (H-3, d, 1H, J=3.5), 5.77 (H-4, dd, 1H, J=2.4, 3.5), 7.32-8.22 (ArH, m,
13
7H), 9.20 (NH, brs, 1H); C-NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 55.49 (C-4), 82.99 (C-3), 116.31-150.69 (aromatic
37
35
carbons), 165.00 (CO, β-lactam); GC-MS m/z = 356 [M+, Cl], 354, 352 [M+, Cl]; Anal. calcd. for
C15H10Cl2N2O4: C, 51.01; H, 2.85; N, 7.93. Found: C, 51.05; H, 2.92; N, 7.97.
3-Methoxy-4-p-tolylazetidin-2-one (9n). Purified by column chromatography (eluent: 4:6 hexane-
EtOAc); yield: 77 %; mp: 92-94 °C; IR (KBr) cm-1: 1765.8 (CO), 3414.0 (NH); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6)
δ 2.11 (Me, s, 3H), 2.82 (OMe, s, 3H), 4.51 (H-4, dd, 1H, J=2.2, 4.4), 4.59 (H-3, d, 1H, J=4.4), 6.69-
13
7.07 (ArH, m, 4H), 8.41 (NH, brs, 1H); C-NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 20.65 (Me), 56.23 (OMe), 57.12 (C-

Molecules 2007, 12
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4), 86.26 (C-3), 127.35-136.75 (aromatic carbons), 167.48 (CO, β-lactam); GC-MS m/z = 191 [M+];
Anal. calcd. for C11H13NO2: C, 69.09; H, 6.85; N, 7.32. Found: C, 69.14; H, 6.92; N, 7.28.
Acknowledgements
The authors thank the Shiraz University Research Council for financial support (Grant No. 85-GR-
SC-23).
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