This invention provides an improved process for producing azetidinones. More particularly, this invention provides the steps of producing an trans-azetidinone represented by the formula ##STR1## from a carboxylic acid R.sup.2 --D--CH.sub.2 COOH, an aldehyde R.sup.1 --A--CHO and an amine RNH.sub.2, by the steps of: (a1) converting a carboxylic acid to the corresponding acid chloride; (b1) deprotonating a chiral oxazolidinone and treating the resulting anion with the product of step (a1); (c1) enolizing the product of step (b1) and condensing with the aldehyde; (d1) hydrolyzing the product of step (c1); (e1) condensing the product of step (d1) with the amine; and (f1) cyclizing the product of step (e1). Alternatively, the process comprises (a2) enolizing the product of step (b1) and condensing, in the presence of a Lewis acid, with a Schiff's base prepared from the aldehyde and the amine; and (b2) cyclizing the product of step (a2).