Abstract: | A total synthesis of the optically active tetrahydroesterastin β -lactam analogue 2 using Miller's hydroxamate approach is described (Scheme 2). Significant modification of published procedures has resulted in a short and facile stereospecific preparation of the N-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)methyl]-β -lactam 17 starting from the readily available D -serine. This material served as intermediate for the preparation of a variety of N-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)methyl]tetrahydroesterastin β-lactam analogues (Scheme 5). |