2,2′-Dibenzothiazolyl Disulfide: A Versatile Reagent for the Synthesis of 2-Azetidinones

2,2′-Dibenzothiazolyl disulfide has been found to be a versatile reagent that provides a convenient and efficient route for the synthesis of β-lactams from Schiff’s bases and alkoxy/aryloxy acetic acids. The process involves the formation of thioester of the corresponding acid. Finally, condensation of titanium enolates, ­derived from these esters, with imines completes the synthesis of 2-azetidinones.