Synthesis of 3α-Alkoxy-4β-substituted-2-azetidinones from L( +)-Tartaric Acid.

Abstract Tartaric acid, regioselective saponification, Pig Liver Esterase, 3-methoxy-2-azetidinone, N -Hydroxy-2-thiopyridone, radical decarboxylation. The synthesis of 3α-alkoxy-4β-azetidinones from L(+) tartaric acid is described. Regioselective saponification and methylation along with a stereo selective radical decarboxylative alkylation are key steps leading to optically pure trans-β-lactams.