The aza-annulation ofj3-enamino carbonyl substrates with acrylate derivatives provides an efficient and convenient route for the regioselective construction of 8-lactams. This two-step ring-forming sequence involved initial generation of the benzyl enamine through either a condensation or conjugate addition reaction with BnNHz, followed by aza-annulation with acryloyl chloride or acrylic anhydride. Controlled by the rigid framework of the ...