Computational Studies on the Synthesis of β-Lactams via [2+2] Thermal Cycloadditions

The main computational studies on the formation of β-lactams through [2+2] cycloadditions published during 1992–2008 are reported with special emphasis on the mechanistic and selectivity aspects of these reactions. Disconnection of the N1-C2 and C3–C4 bonds of the azetidin-2-one ring leads to the reaction between ketenes and imines. Computational and experimental results point to a stepwise mechanism for this reaction. The first step consists of a nucleophilic attack of the iminic nitrogen on the sp-hybridized carbon atom of the ketene. The zwitterionic intermediate thus formed yields the corresponding β-lactam by means of a four-electron conrotatoty electrocyclization. The steroecontrol and the periselectivity of the reaction support this two-step mechanism. The [2+2] cycloaddition between isocyanates and alkenes takes place via a concerted (but asynchronous) mechanism that can be interpreted in terms of a [π2s + (π2s + π2s)] interaction between both reactants. Both the regio and the stereochemistry observed are compatible with this computational model. However, the combination of solvent and substituent effects can result in a stepwise mechanism.