β-Lactams in synthesis: short syntheses of cobactin analogs

Mycobactins facilitate assimilation of iron by mycobacteria. Synthetic analogs with structural variation of the cobactin component have potent anti-TB activity. A new method for the synthesis of cobactin analogs is presented. The key process involves single-step coupling reactions between an amine of a cyclic (l)-lysine derived hydroxamic acid with cyanide activated β-lactams.