A stereoselective, multicomponent catalytic carbonylative approach to a new class of ?,?-unsaturated ?-lactam derivatives

We report a stereoselective, multicomponent catalytic carbonylative approach to a new class of ?,?-unsaturated ?-lactam derivatives with potential biological activity, that are, alkyl (Z)2-(2-oxopyrrolidin-3-ylidene)acetates. Our method is based on the catalytic assembly of readily available building blocks, namely, homopropargylic amines, carbon monoxide, an alcohol, and oxygen (from air). These simple substrates are efficiently activated in ordered sequence under the action of a very simple catalytic system, consisting of PdI in conjunction with KI to give the ?-lactam products in 47-85% yields. Carbonylation reactions are carried out at 100C for 2-5 h under 40 atm of a 4:1 mixture of CO-air, with 0.5-5 mol% of PdI and 5-50 mol% of KI.