Highly Stereoselective Synthesis of Substituted γ-Lactams from Acylsilanes

It takes three: The stereoselective synthesis of highly substituted γ‐lactams from amide enolates, acylsilanes, and imines is reported. This multicomponent reaction accesses γ‐amino‐β‐hydroxy amides in a single flask with good yields and excellent levels of diastereoselectivity (see scheme). Exposure of the linear products to microwave irradiation and acidic conditions promotes a cyclization to form the corresponding γ‐lactams in excellent yields.