The formation of lactams of N-(2-amino)benzoylamino acids

N-(2-Nitro)benzoylamino acids were prepared by 2-nitrobenzoylation of amino acids via the mixed ethylcarbonic anhydride procedure. They were reduced catalytically to N-(2-amino)benzoylamino acids which underwent cyclization to the corresponding lactams under a variety of conditions. The use of this reaction sequence for stepwise degradation of peptides seems possible.