Preparation of beta-and gamma-lactams via ring closures of unsaturated carbamoyl radicals derived from 1-carbamoyl-1-methylcyclohexa-2,5-dienes.

1-Carbamoyl-1-methylcyclohexa-2,5-dienes produced the corresponding delocalised 1-carbamoyl-1-methylcyclohexa-2,5-dienyl radicals on treatment with radical initiators. At temperatures above ca. 300 K dissociation to produce toluene and aminoacyl (carbamoyl) radicals took place. The alternative dissociation of the 1-carbamoyl-1-methylcyclohexa-2,5-dienyl radicals to release methyl radicals and an aromatic amide did not compete. Aminoacyl radicals with allyl, butenyl or similar side chains underwent cyclisations. Moderate yields of N-benzyl-azetidin-2-ones and N-benzyl-pyrrolidin-2-ones were isolated for a range of substituents. The main by-products were N-benzyl-N-alkenylformamides. Ring closure did not take place to a significant extent for precursors with alk-2-ynyl or 2-cyanoalkyl side chains. An improved yield of 1,3-dibenzylazetidin-2-one was obtained by use of lauroyl peroxide as initiator and by inclusion of methyl thioglycolate as polarity reversal catalyst.