Cerium(IV) Tetrabutylammonium Nitrate (CTAN): A Mild and Efficient N-dearylation Agent for Synthesis of N-unsubstituted 2-azetidinones

A simple and efficient protocol for the conversion of N-p-methoxyphenyl, N-p-ethoxyphenyl, N-p-methoxynaphthyl, N-3,4-dimethoxybenzyl and N-p-methoxybenzyl-2-azetidinones to N-unsubstituted 2-azetidinones using cerium(IV) tetrabutylammonium nitrate (CTAN) in dichloromethane is described. The method is compatible with a number of functional groups, and N-unsubstituted 2-azetidinones can be prepared under mild conditions at room temperature. The reaction is rapid, and pure products are obtained in good yields.