Construction of Quaternary Stereogenic Centers via [2 + 2] Cycloaddition Reactions. Synthesis of Homochiral 4,4-Disubstituted 2-Azetidinones and Imine Substituent Effects on beta-Lactam Formation.

A study on the asymmetric construction of quaternary stereogenic centers via [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of ketenes with ketimines is described. Reaction of achiral ketenes and chiral alpha-alkoxy ketone-derived imines resulted in formation of new beta-lactams as single diastereomers. The cycloaddition was extended to pyruvate imines, aralkyl ketone-derived imines, and dialkyl ketimines.