Iminodirhodium‐ and Iminocopper‐Catalyzed CH Activation: Chemoselective Oxidation of Alcohols and Aldehydes via Intermolecular Hydride Abstraction

Iminodirhodium and iminocopper electrophilic intermediates, generated in situ from O ‐mesylacetoxime using catalytic Rh 2 (esp) 2 and Cu(I)Br, respectively, are versatile reagents for selective intermolecular CH activation. These reagents oxidize alcohols and aldehydes with the convenience and mildness of contemporary oxidants while improving atom‐efficiency, isolation, and economy. Mechanistic studies suggest an electrophilic, α‐oxy hydride abstraction thus establishing these iminometallic species as a new class of hydride abstractors.