Synthesis of N-unsubstituted β-lactams from N-alkoxyphenyl-β-lactams with cobalt(III) fluoride

Mild and efficient oxidative N-dearylation of N-alkoxyphenyl-β-lactams with cobalt(III) fluoride proceeded in good to excellent yields to afford the corresponding N-unsubstituted β-lactams. Optimization of the solvent, molar ratio of reagents, time, and temperature are described.