Highly efficient and versatile synthesis of lactams and N-heterocycles via Al(OTf)3-catalyzed cascade cyclization and ionic hydrogenation reactions.

The discovery and development of an efficient and versatile method for the synthesis of N-substituted lactams is described. Pyrrolindinones, piperidones, and structurally related heterocycles were formed by Al(OTf)3-catalyzed cascade cyclization and ionic hydrogenation reactions of corresponding nitrogen substituted ketoamides in good yields.