Synthesis of 4-trifluoromethyl-β-sultams via sulfa-Staudinger cycloadditions

A series of structurally diverse 4-trifluoromethyl β-sultams was conveniently synthesized via the sulfa-Staudinger cycloadditions of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanesulfonyl chloride with different imines under very mild conditions. The products were obtained in yields up to 75%, and in cis/trans ratios ranging from 59:41 to 12:78.