Cross-Dehygrogenative C-O Coupling of Oximes with Acetonitrile, Ketones and Esters

A transition metal-free approach for the generation of radical intermediates via EDA complexes had been developed. This approach enables a cross-dehydrogenative C-O coupling of oximes with acetonitrile, ketones and esters with high yields and regioselectivities. Perfluorobutyl iodide was used as the unique electron acceptor to trigger a new radical formation. The radical pathway was confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, radical inhibiting, trapping and kinetics experiments.