TBHP promoted demethylation of α-amino carbonyl compounds: a concise approach to substituted γ-lactams

A novel tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) promoted CH2-extrusion reaction of α-amino carbonyl compounds has been developed, which is driven by a demethylenation process to give various ring contraction products γ-lactams under radical conditions. The reaction shows good functional group tolerance and excellent chemo/regioselectivity; all the desired products are obtained in moderate to excellent yields.