Abstract
β-Carboalkoxy-γ-lactams were synthesized in high yields via copper-catalyzed three-component
reactions of α,β-unsaturated dicarboxylate esters, aldimines, and a silane. The reaction
proceeds in a tandem manner via conjugate reduction, Mannich reaction, and a subsequent
lactamization. The method is attractive with regard to the flexible combination of
easily available reactants, the mild conditions, and the high yields. It provides
a concise synthetic route to functionalized lactams with a β-ester group.
Key words
tandem reaction - copper - catalysis - conjugate reduction - aldol addition - lactamization