Straightforward Synthesis of Functionalized γ-Lactams using Impure CO2 Stream as the Carbon Source

Abstract Direct utilization of CO2 into organic synthesis has found enormous applications to synthesize pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. However, pure CO2 gas is essential to achieve these transformations, and the purification of CO2 is highly cost and energy intensive. Considering this, we have described a straightforward synthetic route for the synthesis of γ-lactams, a pivotal core structure of bioactive molecules, by using commercially available starting materials (alkenes and amines) and impure CO2 stream (exhaust gas collected from the car) as the carbon source. This blueprint features a broad scope, excellent functional group compatibility and has been applied for the late-stage transformation of existing pharmaceuticals and natural products to synthesize functionalized γ-lactams. We believe that our strategy will provide direct access to γ-lactams in a very sustainable way and will also enhance the Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) strategy.