Direct Synthesis of Aldoximes: Ruthenium-Catalyzed Coupling of Alcohols and Hydroxylamine Hydrochloride

A catalytic method for the direct synthesis of oximes from alcohols and hydroxyl amine hydrochloride salt is reported. The reaction is catalyzed by a ruthenium pincer catalyst, which oxidizes alcohols involving amine-amide metal-ligand cooperation, and the in situ formed aldehydes condense with hydroxyl amine to deliver the oximes. Notably, the reaction requires only a catalyst and base; water and liberated hydrogen are the only byproducts, making this protocol attractive and environmentally benign.