Pd-Catalyzed Semmler-Wolff Reactions for the Conversion of Substituted Cyclohexenone Oximes to Primary Anilines

Homogeneous Pd catalysts have been identified for the conversion of cyclohexenone and tetralone O-pivaloyl oximes to the corresponding primary anilines and 1-aminonaphthalenes. This method is inspired by the Semmler-Wolff reaction, a classic method that exhibits limited synthetic utility owing to its forcing conditions, narrow scope, and low product yields. The oxime N-O bond undergoes oxidative addition to Pd-0(PCy3)(2), and the product of this step has been characterized by X-ray crystallography and shown to undergo dehydrogenation to afford the aniline product.