Concise general synthesis of alpha,gamma-disubstituted beta-amino ketones from beta-lactams

Grignard and organocuprate reagents catalyze ring opening reactions of 3, 4-disubstituted N-BOC-beta-lactams to yield alpha,gamma-disubstituted beta-amino ketones. NMR analysis of the crude mixtures helps estimate the proportion of products generated in the reaction. Nature of Grignard reagents influences the reaction. The disubstituted ketones help synthesize alpha-amino acids and polyhydroxylated nitrogen-containing products.