Stereospecific synthesis of some polycyclic cis-β-lactams

Amides 1 on reaction with P₂S₅ in pyridine give thioamides 2 which on treatment with methyl iodide afford the corresponding 1-methylthio-3,4-dihydroisoquinolines 3. Annelation of these imines with phenoxyacetyl chloride in the presence of triethylamine furnish 6-methylthio-7-phenoxy-2',3' - dimethoxybenzo[a]octem 4a and 6-methylthio-7-phenoxy-2,3-methylenedioxybenzo[a]octem 4b respectively. Desulphurisation of these β-methylthio-β-lactams with Raney nickel yield the novel polycyclic cis-β-lactams 5a and 5b.