Metal-free, aerobic ketooxygenation of alkenes using hydroxamic acids

A metal-free, radical-mediated alkene ketooxygenation is described. This four-electron alkene oxidation delivers alpha-oxyketones directly from simple alkenes with high levels of regio- and stereocontrol. The aerobic process capitalizes on the unique reactivity of amidoxyl radicals in intra- and intermolecular alkene additions.