A [2+2] cycloaddition of the trifluoromethyl aldimine 5 with a ketene
provided stereoselectively the CF3-substituted. beta-lactam 4 in a 50
% yield. Further steps of ring opening and deprotections led to the me
thyl syn-3-CF3-isoserinate which is a new fluoro analogue of the C-13
side-chain of taxoids.