Synthetic investigations in epimerization reactions of β-lactams

A novel and facile synthesis of cis-3-phenylthio & cis-3-chloro-β-lactams using epimerization reaction has been studied. The optimized reaction conditions for this conversion using very mild base have been studied. All the new synthesized compounds have been characterized. The reported work gives easy conversion of trans isomers to cis without forming any side product.