Stereo‐ and Regiocontrol in the Formation of Lactams by Rhodium‐Carbenoid C−H Insertion of α‐Diazoacetamides

The dirhodium( II )‐catalysed intramolecular C−H insertion reaction of α‐diazoacetamides is a powerful methodology for the preparation of highly valuable heterocyclic compounds such as lactams. In this Microreview we present lactam formation by intramolecular C−H insertion of α‐diazoacetamides, focusing on the effects that have a profound impact on the reaction pathway. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)