Synthetic studies on optically active .BETA.-lactams. II. Asymmetric synthesis of .BETA.-lactams by (2+2)cyclocondensation using heterocyclic compounds derived from L-(+)-tartaric acid, (S)- or (R)-glutamic acid, and (S)-serine as chiral auxiliaries.
Various azetidinone, pyrrolidine, imidazolidine, and oxazolidine derivatives are described, as are pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and methods of treatment of diseases using these compounds. Other embodiments are also described.