Catalytic asymmetric one-pot synthesis of α-methylene-γ-lactams

An organocatalytic enantioselective synthesis of α-methylene-γ-lactams has been developed. The reaction between protected 2-aminomalonates and Morita-Baylis-Hillman carbonates is catalyzed by chiral Lewis bases to afford the corresponding lactams in excellent yields and moderate to good enantioselectivities, after work-up.