1,1-Dioxo-7 alpha-methoxy-3-methyl-Delta(3)-cephem-4-yl phenyl ketone,
a valuable precursor of potent HLE inhibitors, was obtained in an eff
icient way starting from 7 lpha-methoxy-3-methyl-Delta(3)-cephem-4-car
boxylic acid. By employing the same methodology a variety of 1,1-dioxo
cephem-4-yl aryl ketones were prepared.