Azeto[1,2-a]quinoxaline-1,3-diones,a new class of bridgehead nitrogen β-lactams

Two synthetic procedures have been developed for the preparation of azeto[1,2-a]quinoxaline- 1,3-diones, a novel class of fused heterocyclic β-lactams possessing a bridgehead nitrogen atom. Both processes are general and afford the title compounds in good yield. The infrared, proton magnetic resonance, and mass spectroscopic properties of the title compounds are discussed.