Recent Progress in the Enantioselective Synthesis of β-Lactams: Development of the First Catalytic Approaches

Two direct catalytic asymmetric syntheses of β-lactams in good yields and high enantio- and diastereoselectivity (up to 96 % ee and 99:1 d.r.) are described (see reaction scheme for an example). In addition, recent catalytic enantioselective constructions of β-amino acid derivatives en route to enantiomerically pure β-lactams are highlighted.