Stereocontrolled total synthesis of a novel tetracyclic beta -lactam (3) ha
s been achieved in ten steps. The key transformations in this approach are
the regioselective ring opening of beta -epoxide (5 beta) and the stereosel
ective construction of ketoazetidinone (11) from methoxyketo-gamma -lactam
(9) and 4-acetoxyazetidinone (10).