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An efficient synthesis of enantiomerically-pure β-aryl-γ-lactams is described. The principal feature of this synthesis is the practical resolution of β-aryl-γ-lactams with (S)-Naproxen. The procedure is based on the Michael addition of nitromethane to benzylidenemalonates, which was easily obtained, followed by the reduction of the γ-nitroester in the presence of Raney nickel and the subsequent saponification/decarboxylation reaction. The utility of this methodology was highlighted by the preparation of enantiomerically-pure (R)- and (S)-Baclofen hydrochloride.

In the title compound, C14H10N2O2, the phtalimide and 2-pyridylmethyl units are almost perpendicular, with an interplanar angle of 85.74 (2)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by weak C—H...O interactions, forming chains running along the b axis. The packing is further stabilized by offset π–π interactions between adjacent pyridine rings, with a centroid–centroid distance of 3.855 (2) Å.