NEW MATERIAL:A compound expressed by formula I (X is -COCH3 or benzyl; R is benzyloxy).
EXAMPLE: (R)-N-Benzyloxy-4-acetoxy-3-hydroxy-butanamide.
USE: A synthetic intermediate for optically active mono-β-latam rings. The above- mentioned intermediate is useful for producing medicines, especially antibiotic substances.
PREPARATION: An optically active β-hydroxy-γ-butyrolactone expressed by formula II (one of R1 and R2 is H and the other is OH) and a silyl compound expressed by the formula III or the formula (CH3)3.Si-Y are subjected to ring opening in a solvent, such as methylene chloride, using a ring opening reaction reagent, such as a compound expressed by the formula H2NNHR (R is H or benzyl) or HNO2, to afford the aimed compound expressed by formula I.