Efficient Synthesis of β-Aryl-γ-lactams and Their Resolution with (S)-Naproxen: Preparation of (R)- and (S)-Baclofen.

An efficient synthesis of enantiomerically-pure β-aryl-γ-lactams is described. The principal feature of this synthesis is the practical resolution of β-aryl-γ-lactams with (S)-Naproxen. The procedure is based on the Michael addition of nitromethane to benzylidenemalonates, which was easily obtained, followed by the reduction of the γ-nitroester in the presence of Raney nickel and the subsequent saponification/decarboxylation reaction.

Synthesis of cis- and trans-3-aminocyclohexanols by reduction of β-enaminoketones.

We describe a protocol developed for the preparation of β-enaminoketones derived from 1,3-cyclohexanediones, and their subsequent reduction by sodium in THF-isopropyl alcohol to afford cis- and trans-3-aminocyclohexanols.