Thiazole derivatives R 0260[2 + 2] Cycloaddition Reactions of Imines with Cyclic Ketenes: Synthesis of 1,3-Thiazolidine Derived Spiro-β-Lactams and Their Transformations. -[2 + 2] Cycloaddition reactions of imines with unsymmetrical cyclic ketenes result in formation of new isomeric spiro-β-lactams with mainly relative trans configuration.Only the phenylsulfonyl-substituted derivatives show reverse stereochemistry. The thiazolidines in the products are very stable and attempts to cleave the ring generally fail. Only in the case of (IIIb), the process is successful to afford the α-keto-β-lactam (VI). Derivatives (IVe) and (IVf) are selectively hydrolyzed at the azetidinone ring. -(CREMONESI, G.; DALLA CROCE, P.; LA ROSA*, C.; Helv. Chim. Acta 88 (2005) 6, 1580-1588; Ist. Chim. Org., Fac. Farm., Univ. Stud. Milano, I-20133 Milano, Italy; Eng.) -S. Adam 45-154