Copper(II)-Catalyzed Direct Dioxygenation of Alkenes with Air and <i>N</i>‑Hydroxyphthalimide: Synthesis of β‑Keto‑<i>N</i>‑alkoxyphthalimides

Copper­(II)-catalyzed direct dioxygenation of alkenes using air and a simple <i>N</i>-hydroxyphthalimide leading to β-keto-<i>N</i>-alkoxyphthalimides has been developed. The reaction system is mild, efficient, and effective at room temperature with broad substrate scope and substantial steric hindrance. The radical-trapping and ¹⁸O-labeling experiments have been demonstrated