A novel way to the synthesis of γ-butyrolactam was explored by atom transfer radical cyclization (ATRC) of Ugi adducts, which could be prepared by mixing iodoacetic acid, allyl amine, aromatic aldehydes and isocyanides in methanol at room temperature. The procedure was easy to handle and the yields were moderate.

Key words: isocyanide, Ugi, lactam, atom transfer, radical