The synthesis of tricyclic carbapenam and penems was achieved by highly ste
reoselective Lewis acid-catalyzed reactions of 4-substituted 1-trimethylsil
yloxyfurans with a 4-acetoxy azetidinone chiron, and further elaboration of
the resulting condensation products using intramolecular Michael cyclizati
ons. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.