Gallic Acid-Promoted SET Process for Cyclobutanone Oximes Activation and (Carbonylative-)Alkylation of Olefins

Despite the general success of metal catalysts in modern organic chemistry, the exploration of natural available organic molecules as catalysts still has a strong appeal to scientists because of their green and sustainable advantages. Herein an intermolecular coupling reaction of cyclobutanone oximes with olefins promoted by biowaste gallic acid is reported. Both alkylation and carbonylative alkylation reactions proceeded well in this system. Various cyclobutanone oximes and olefins can be transformed into the corresponding products in moderate to good yields. Detailed EPR investigations and control experiments are consistent with a single-electron transfer mechanism.