A new simple route for the synthesis of (±)-2-azetidinones starting from β-enaminoketoesters

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(99)01421-5

β-Enaminoketoesters, obtained by metal-catalyzed reaction between alkyl acetoacetates and alkyl cyanoformates, are useful starting materials for rapid access to β-acetyl-dehydroaspartic acid derivatives which could be transformed into (±)-2-azetidinones bearing a 1-hydroxy-ethyl substituent through suitable reductive processes.