A nitrilase-mediated entry to 4-carboxymethyl-β-lactams from chemically prepared 4-(cyanomethyl)azetidin-2-ones

(3R,4S)-3-Alkoxy/aryloxy-4-(cyanomethyl)azetidin-2-ones were efficiently prepared from readily available 1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropylidene-D-mannitol by means of a classical organic synthesis approach via 4-hydroxymethyl-β-lactams as key intermediates. The corresponding 4-carboxymethyl-β-lactams were subsequently obtained after selective hydrolysis of the nitrile functionality by means of a nitrilase enzyme without affecting the sensitive four-membered ring system, hence overcoming the difficulties associated with the chemical hydrolysis approach. Thus, the implementation of a biocatalytic step allows a convenient synthetic route to new 4-carboxymethyl-β-lactams as versatile building blocks for further elaboration.