Iridium-Catalyzed Single-Step N-Substituted Lactam Synthesis from Lactones and Amines

Catalytic lactam synthesis was achieved directly from lactones and amines using an Ir catalyst. Three sequential transformations-aminolysis of lactone, N-alkylation of amine with hydroxyamide, and intramolecular transamidation of aminoamide-afforded the corresponding N-substituted lactams.