Stereoselective synthesis of 3-(1-Hydroxyethyl)-2-azetidinonesfrom 3-hydroxybutyrates

Addition of dianions of 3-hydroxybutyrates to benzylideneaniline results in direct formation of $\text{trans}$$\text{S*}$-3-(l-hydroxyethyl)-1,4-diphenyl-2-azetidinone with 95% diastereoselectivity. Inversion of the configuration at Cα, gives the desired $\text{trans}$$\text{R*}$-2-azetidinone in high yield.