Metal-free, aerobic dioxygenation of alkenes using simple hydroxamic acid derivatives

J Am Chem Soc. 2011 Aug 31;133(34):13320-2. doi: 10.1021/ja206306f. Epub 2011 Aug 10.

Abstract

The dioxygenation of alkenes using molecular oxygen and a simple hydroxamic acid derivative has been achieved. The reaction system consists of readily prepared methyl N-hydroxy-N-phenylcarbamate and molecular oxygen with a radical initiator, offering an alternative to common dioxygenation processes catalyzed by precious transition metals. This transformation capitalizes on the unique reactivity profile of hydroxamic acid derivatives in radical-mediated alkene addition processes.