A Trans-stereoselective Synthesis of 3-Halo-4-alkyl(aryl)-NH-azetidin-2-ones

[formula: see text] Conrotatory ring closure of 1-halo-3-aza-4-alkyl-1,3-dienes in refluxing toluene gives rise to 3-halo-4-aryl-2-azetidinones in satisfactory yields. Dehalogenation of the resulting beta-lactams by tris(trimethylsilyl)silane furnished 3-unsubstituted azetidinones, valuable intermediates in the synthesis of biologically active compounds.