A Review on Synthetic Applications of Oxime Esters

The oxime ester moiety exists in a large number of bioactive compounds by a wide range of activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-diabetes and cytotoxic activities. They are also showed interesting insecticidal activities. Furthermore, these compounds are important starting materials in the preparation of photosensitive compositions. Oxime esters are one of the most important and versatile intermediates in organic synthesis. They are very attractive starting materials for the synthesis of various nitrogen and oxygen containing compounds including amine and its derivatives, amides, nitriles, esters, nonaromatic heterocycles, heteroaromatics such as pyrroles, pyridines, quinoline derivatives, miscellaneous, imines, N-heterocycles, etc. This valuable review article summarizes efforts to use oxime esters as reagent and catalysts in the synthetic chemistry. We have classified the applications of these compounds in the organic synthesis based on the desired products. The focus will be on synthesis of heteroaromatic compounds from titled compounds. This interesting review article presents the synthetic applications of oxime esters.