A derivative of 6-epi-lincosamine has been prepared by a sequence of s
tereospecific steps from an optically active, cis-alpha-hydroxy-beta-l
actam. This beta-lactam was obtained by an enantiospecific cycloadditi
on reaction between methoxyacetyl chloride, triethylamine and a Schiff
base derived from benzylamine and an optically active aldehyde derive
d from D-galactopyranose.