Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Interrupted Kinugasa Reaction: Synthesis of α‐Thiofunctional Chiral β‐Lactams.

A copper(I)‐catalyzed asymmetric, three‐component interrupted Kinugasa reaction has been developed. Diverse chiral sulfur‐containing chiral β‐lactams with two consecutive stereogenic centers were synthesized in one step from readily available starting materials in good yields and with excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity. The key is the interception of in situ formed chiral four membered copper(I) enolate intermediate with sulfur electrophiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]