Multidentate amine derived copper(I) halide complexes mediate the atom tran
sfer radical cyclisation of 1-halo-N-propargylacetamides. While cyclisation
of trichloro- and dichloroacetamide derivatives leads to alpha,beta -unsat
urated gamma -lactams containing the gem-dihalide functional group, monohal
oacetamides give rise to either cyclised atom transfer or reduction product
s depending upon the solvent and catalyst used. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science L
td. All rights reserved.