The versatile conversion of lactams to the α-alkylated azacycles via cyclic N,O-acetal TMS ether

The efficient preparation of the cyclic N,O-acetals from lactams by DIBAL reduction followed by direct trapping of the resulting N,O-hemiacetals using TMSOTf/pyridine system is described. In addition, the facile nucleophilic addition of various carbon nucleophiles at the carbonyl carbons of the lactams through the corresponding N,O-acetals is also reported.