The reaction of dimethyltitanocene with N-substituted-β-lactams

2-Methyleneazetidines have been synthesized and isolated by the reaction of β-lactams with dimethyltitanocene, followed by chromatography on deactivated silica. Efficient conversion required that the lactam nitrogen be strongly deactivated. Methyl transfer predominated in reactions with phenyl and benzyl on the lactam nitrogen.