Reaction of variously substituted enamides with Mn(OAc)(3) . 2H(2)O af
forded beta-lactamic products in modest to good yields, depending most
ly on the solvent and reaction conditions. The substitution pattern of
the enamidic double bond was found of primary importance for the outc
ome of the reaction. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.