Cobalt-Catalyzed α-Arylation of Substituted α-Bromo α-Fluoro β-Lactams with Diaryl Zinc Reagents: Generalization to Functionalized Bromo Derivatives.

A cobalt-catalyzed cross-coupling of α-bromo α-fluoro β-lactams with diarylzinc or diallylzinc reagents is herein disclosed. The protocol proved to be general, chemoselective and operationally simple allowing the C4 functionalization of β-lactams. The substrate scope was expanded to α-bromo lactams and amides, α-bromo lactones and esters as well as N- and O-containing heterocycles.