Copper mediated cyclization of activated 1-substituted enamides occurs via a 5-endo radical-polar crossover process. Trichloroacetyl derivatives can undergo further reactions post cyclization (elimination of HCl or dimerization potentially via copper carbenoid intermediates). Reaction of α-halo trienamides derived from β-ionone furnish either β- or γ-lactams via 4-exo or 5-exo cyclizations respectively depending upon the enamide tautomer undergoing reaction. For the less reactive dichloroacetamide derivative a competing regioselective methyl migration-aromatization prior to cyclization is observed.