Studies of multicomponent Kinugasa reactions in aqueous media

Micelle-promoted, copper-catalyzed multicomponent Kinugasa reactions were studied in aqueous media. Reactions were performed in a 'single pot' for a series of in situ generated C,N-diphenylnitrones with Cu(I) phenylacetylide providing β-lactams in yields of 45-85%. Substituents affect the reaction by either accelerating cycloaddition or minimizing side reactions.

Studies of the micelle-promoted and copper-catalyzed multicomponent Kinugasa reaction in water are reported.