Straightforward synthesis of functionalized γ-Lactams using impure CO₂ stream as the carbon source

Direct utilization of CO₂ into organic synthesis finds enormous applications to synthesize pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. However, pure CO₂ gas is essential to achieve these transformations, and the purification of CO₂ is highly cost and energy intensive. Considering this, we describe a straightforward synthetic route for the synthesis of γ-lactams, a pivotal core structure of bioactive molecules, by using commercially available starting materials (alkenes and amines) and impure CO₂ stream (exhaust gas is collected from the car) as the carbon source. This blueprint features a broad scope, excellent functional group compatibility and application to the late-stage transformation of existing pharmaceuticals and natural products to synthesize functionalized γ-lactams. We believe that our strategy will provide direct access to γ-lactams in a very sustainable way and will also enhance the Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) strategy.