| abstract |
Novel process for preparing azetidinone compound of the formula [III]: <IMAGE> [III] wherein R1 is H or lower alkyl, R2 and R3 combine together with the adjacent nitrogen to form heterocyclic group, and R4 is protected or unprotected hydroxy-substituted lower alkyl, which comprises reacting an alkanamide compound of the formula [I]: <IMAGE>ed above, with a compound of the formula [II]: <IMAGE> [II] wherein L1 is a leaving group and R4 is the same as defined above, in the presence of a base, said compound [III] being useful as synthetic intermediate for 1-methylcarbapenem derivative having excellent antibacterial activity. |