A simple method for the oxidation of primary amines to the corresponding ketones that proceeds in the presence of both moisture and air is described. Treatment of an amine with benzoyl peroxide in the presence of caesium carbonate, followed by warming of the hydroxylamine product to 50-70 C leads directly to the ketone. The method is shown to be effective for both benzylic and aliphatic substrates.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Tomkinson et al. (2008) studied this question.