Asymmetric synthesis of (S)-5 has been accomplished with an excellent enantiomeric excess by hydrogenation of racemic 5 using ruthenium-BINAP-diamine-KOH system, followed by oxidation. Magnesium enolate of (2S)-2-methoxycyclohexanone [(S)-5] reacts with the 4-acetoxyazetidinone 4 to give the key intermediate 3 with high yield and diastereoselectivity for the synthesis of sanfetrinem 1.