Efficient and highly stereoselective synthesis of a beta-lactam inhibitor of the serine protease prostate-specific antigen

An efficient synthesis of a beta-lactam precursor of the serine protease, prostate-specific antigen inhibitor 1 has been accomplished. The synthesis relies on two completely stercoselective reactions that allow the introduction of the stereocenters at C-3 and C-4 of the azetidinone ring in a predictable manner. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.