Asymmetric synthesis of azetidin-2-ones by [2+2] cycloaddition using chiral imines derived from d-(+)-glucose

Asymmetric synthesis of β-lactams by the [2+2] cycloaddition of ketenes with chiral imines derived from d-(+)-glucose was carried out; predominantly cis-β-lactams were formed with very high diastereoselectivity. The stereochemistry at C-3 and C-4 was established as 3S and 4R from the known absolute configuration of the sugar moiety.