A New Synthesis of N-Substituted α-Amino Ketones

α-Amino ketones are valuable intermediates in the synthesis of a variety of substances, especially that of heterocyclic compounds, and their preparation and reactions continue to attract attention. 1 Often, these compounds are prepared from the corresponding ketones or their α-bromo derivatives, but such syntheses may involve interfering side reactions and consequent difficulties in the isolation of the product. 2 We now report a new synthesis of α-amino ketones which is based on a highly selective cleavage of α-lactams with organolithium compounds. This reaction is in sharp contrast to that of α-lactams with alkylmagnesium halides, which is claimed to effect an insertion-type alkylation of the acyl groups, 3 although this claim has not been substantiated. 4