A mild approach toward α-hydroxyethyl α,β-unsaturated δ-lactams is described.
The stereochemistry at the δ-position of the lactam was formed by Ellman’s protocol.
The α,β-unsaturated δ-lactam was smoothly constructed by ring-closing metathesis.
A Baylis–Hillman reaction afforded the substitution at the α-position of the lactam.