Ring contraction of N-chlorolactams, a novel rearrangement

Upon photolysis in methylene chloride at −78 °C, different N-chlorolactams underwent a novel ring contraction to the corresponding carbamoyl chlorides, which were converted to the methyl carbamates. The rearrangement is 100% stereoselective, occurring with retention of configuration at the migrating carbon center. The yields of isolated carbamates ranged from 40% to 57%, the other product being the parent lactam, 18% to 38%.