A new approach to benzo-annelated δ-sultams containing an
aryl–nitrogen bond is described. The method, which involves
the intramolecular Michael cyclization of tert-butyl ortho-[N-
(methoxycarbonylmethyl)sulfonylamino]cinnamates, allows the synthesis of secondary sultams as well as their tertiary
analogues and bridged tricyclic derivatives efficiently and
diastereoselectively.