Catalytic Ring Expansion of Cyclic Hemiaminals for the Synthesis of Medium‐Ring Lactams

Abstract A mild and efficient intermolecular ring‐expansion approach was developed for the synthesis of medium‐ring lactams by using siloxy alkynes. Key to success is the suitable combination of a superior catalyst and an exceptional nitrogen‐protecting group. Control experiments indicated that the reaction is remarkably selective toward the desired lactam formation, even with many possible non‐productive pathways.