Copper(II)-catalyzed direct dioxygenation of alkenes with air andn-hydroxyphthalimide: synthesis of β-keto-N-alkoxyphthalimides

Copper(II)-catalyzed direct dioxygenation of alkenes using air and a simple N-hydroxyphthalimide leading to β-keto-N-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