The present invention relates generally to processes for the efficient production
optically active 3-substituted lactams of formula (I)
##STR1##
process, comprising:
contacting a compound of formula (II):
##STR2##
with hydrogen under a suitable pressure in the presence of an iridium complex
of the formula (R2)IrL+X- wherein L is a chelating
diene, X is a non coordinating anion, and
R2 is selected from
##STR3##
