Highly Stereoselective Synthesis of Substituted γ‐Lactams from Acylsilanes

It takes three: The stereoselective synthesis of highly substituted γ-lactams from amide enolates, acylsilanes, and imines is reported. This multicomponent reaction accesses γ-amino-β-hydroxy amides in a single flask with good yields and excellent levels of diastereoselectivity (see scheme). Exposure of the linear products to microwave irradiation and acidic conditions promotes a cyclization to form the corresponding γ-lactams in excellent yields.