Recent Advances in Chemistry of γ-Lactams: Part II. Functionalization by C-C or C-Heteroatom Bond Formation

Owing to the interest that γ-lactams (pyrrolidin-2-ones) deserve for medicinal and natural products chemistry, the development of novel methodologies for synthesis and decoration of the heterocyclic core has become the objective of many synthetic chemists. This review is presented in two parts: whereas Part I highlighted efficient synthetic strategies directed towards lactam ring formation, Part II deals with transformations of γ-lactams (issued between 2001 and 2013) involving introduction of new chains or functional groups or modification of the preexisting ones. Enantioselective synthesis is particularly emphasized, since polysubstituted enantiomerically pure γ-lactams are important for biological testing or can be key intermediates for preparation of bioactive natural products.