N-Tosylated α, β-unsaturatedamides and lactams undergo facile conjugate addition with R2CuLi or RMgX/CuI (cat.). Stereoselective synthesis of trans-β,γ-dialkyl-γ-lactams can be achieved by this procedure. The resulting N-tosylamide moiety is further transformed to alcohol and several carbonyl compounds by way of reduction or nucleophillic displacement.