Activation of N-Hydroxy Compounds by P-O Bond Formation through Anodic Oxidation of Triphenylphosphine

Abstract

Controlled potential electrolyses of triphenylphosphine (TPP) in acetonitrile containing an excess of N-hydroxy compounds such as ketoximes, aldoximes, and hydroxamic acids were examined : subsequent treatment of the products under mild conditions gave amides, nitriles, and ureas, respectively. Electrolyses under conditions where the amounts of TPP were equal to or larger than those of the N-hydroxy compounds did not give satisfactory results.