Efficient Synthesis of Carbapenems via the Oxalimide Cyclization. Manipulation of Protecting Groups at the Oxalimide Stage.

Abstract An efficient synthesis of the carbepenem nucleus from TBDMS protected acetoxyazetidinone via oxalimide cyclization technology is demonstrated. A key step is desilylation of the oxalimide intermediate. Access to a variety of protecting group schemes is demonstrated.