Abstract 3-Alkoxy/aryloxy-β-lactams are synthesized in satisfactory to good yields from the reaction of imines and alkyl/aryl diazoacetates under photoirradiation conditions. Typically, trans-β-lactams are obtained as the major products from linear imines using the current method. By contrast, the corresponding thermal reaction of imines and alkoxy/aryloxyacetyl chlorides, or their equivalents, in the presence of triethylamine affords cis-β-lactams as the ...
