Copper(II)-catalyzed direct dioxygenation of alkenes with air and N-hydroxyphthalimide: synthesis of β-keto-N-alkoxyphthalimides.

Copper(II)-catalyzed direct dioxygenation of alkenes using air and a simple N-hydroxyphthalimide leading to β-keto-N-alkoxyphthalimides has been developed. The reaction system is mild, efficient, and effective at room temperature with broad substrate scope and substantial steric hindrance. The radical-trapping and (18)O-labeling experiments have been demonstrated.