An electrochemical alternative strategy to the synthesis of β-lactams: Part 2 [1]. C3C4 bond formation

Electrochemically induced synthesis of β-lactams, by cyclization (via C3C4 bond formation) of haloamides XCHR1CONR2CHR3R4 (X: Br, Cl), has been achieved in suitable solvent-supporting electrolyte solutions previously electrolyzed under galvanostatic control. The yields and the stereochemistry of the process are affected by the nature of substituents R1–R4 and of solvent-supporting electrolyte solutions and by the electrolysis conditions.