3-methyl-4-oxa-5-azahomoadamantane as an organocatalyst for the aerobic oxidation of primary amines to oximes in water

Abstract

A simple and efficient catalytic system for the aerobic oxidation of primary amines into corresponding oximes has been developed, with 3-methyl-4-oxa-5-azahomoadamantane as catalyst, acetaldoxime as co-catalyst and water as solvent. This process, which uses oxygen (O 2) as an economic and green oxidant and water as a green solvent, tolerates a wide range of substrates, affording the target oximes in moderate to excellent yields. It was found that high selectivity was achieved when 3-methyl-4-oxa-5-azahomoadamantane was used, and E-type oximes were the only detected products. A possible mechanism for this catalytic process is proposed.