General and efficient synthesis of β-lactams bearing a quinone moiety at N1, C3 or C4 positions

A general and efficient synthesis of cis- and trans-β-lactams bearing a quinone moiety at N1, C3 or C4 positions has been developed in a racemic form. In some cases this methodology offers the possibility of achieving the 2-azetidinone-quinone in an optically pure form.