This project aims at the implementation of homogenous catalysis as a key stap in the synthesis of novel heterocyclic compounds with biological interest. In particular, functionalized aziridines will be evaluated as substrates for a catalytic carbonylation to provide the corresponding beta-lactams. The latter type of beta-lactams will then serve as new building blocks for the construction of a variety of biologically relevant heterocycles such as pyrrolidines, pyrrolidinones, pyrroles, oxolanes, piperidines, and bi- and tricyclic beta-lactams.