asymmetric tandem Darzens/hemiaminalization reaction of glyoxals with α-bromo-β-esteramides or α-bromo-β-ketoamide was accomplished in the presence of a chiral N,N′-dioxide/Yb(III) complex. Various chiral α,β-epoxy-γ-lactams were obtained in moderate to good yields with excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities. The versatility of the transformation is illustrated in the formal synthesis of berkeleyamide
reaction followed by an intramolecular spirocyclization via an epoxide-opening reaction. Following optical resolution by chiral HPLC, the absoluteconfigurations of both enantiomers of berkeleyamide D were determined by the vibrational circulardichroism exciton chiralitymethod.