Synthesis of N-Alkoxyindol-2-ones by Copper-Catalyzed Intramolecular N-Arylation of Hydroxamates

The first example of copper-catalyzed intramolecular N-arylation of hydroxamic acid derivatives is presented. Based on this transformation a new method for the synthesis of N-alkoxyindol-2ones from 2-(2-bromoaryl)acetylhydroxamates has been developed. The reaction conditions tolerate standard hydroxyl protecting groups on the hydroxylamine moiety and are also applicable for the synthesis of six-membered N-alkoxybenzolactams.