Synthesis of new beta-lactams is an attractive field because some of these types of molecules are biologically active. The design and preparation of C₄-nitrogen-substituted beta-lactams are not known. Structurally diverse C₄-N-substituted beta-lactams can be synthesized efficiently from amidines. Amidines are obtained by reacting beta-cyano ester and secondary amine in the presence of a promoter. Amidines can then be used for the preparation of novel beta-lactams through well-known reactions. Bismuth, indium, and copper salts can be used as the promoter to undergo nucleophilic reactions. Several new reactions are here identified with amidines in high yield for the synthesis of unique monocyclic to polycyclic beta-lactams. Some of these compounds are optically active with diverse groups at different positions of the ring system.

新β-内酰胺的合成是一个有吸引力的领域，因为其中一些类型的分子具有生物活性。C _{4 -}氮取代的β-内酰胺的设计和制备是未知的。结构多样的 C ₄-N-取代的β-内酰胺可以从脒有效地合成。脒是通过β-氰基酯和仲胺在促进剂存在下反应获得的。然后可以通过众所周知的反应将脒用于制备新型 β-内酰胺。铋盐、铟盐和铜盐可作为促进剂进行亲核反应。此处鉴定了几种新反应与脒以高产率合成独特的单环至多环 β-内酰胺。这些化合物中的一些具有光学活性，在环系统的不同位置具有不同的基团。