Synthesis of α‐Chlorolactams by Cyanoborohydride‐Mediated Radical Cyclization of Trichloroacetamides

Abstract A cyanoborohydride‐promoted radical cyclization methodology has been developed to access α‐chlorolactams in a simple and efficient way using NaBH 3 CN and trichloroacetamides easily available from allylic and homoallylic secondary amines. This methodology allowed the synthesis of a library of α‐chlorolactams (mono‐ and bicyclic), which were tested for herbicidal activity, trans ‐3‐chloro‐4‐methyl‐1‐(3‐trifluoromethyl)phenyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone being the most active.