Straightforward synthesis of functionalized -Lactams using impure CO₂ stream as the carbon source

Direct utilization of CO2 into organic synthesis finds 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 describe a straightforward synthetic route for the synthesis of gamma-lactams, a pivotal core structure of bioactive molecules, by using commercially available starting materials (alkenes and amines) and impure CO2 stream (exhaust gas is collected from the car) as the carbon source. This blueprint features a broad scope, excellent functional group compatibility and application to the late-stage transformation of existing pharmaceuticals and natural products to synthesize functionalized gamma-lactams. We believe that our strategy will provide direct access to gamma-lactams in a very sustainable way and will also enhance the Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) strategy.