Copper(II) Acetate-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidation of N-(2-Arylacetyl)-1,3-oxazolidin-2-ones to 1,2-Dicarbonyl Compounds.

The copper-catalyzed aerobic oxidation of N-(2-arylacetyl)-1,3-oxazolidin-2-ones to the corresponding 2-oxo derivatives is described. The transformation is promoted by copper(II) acetate and 1,10-phenanthroline in DMSO at 30 °C and provides a wide range of 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds under mild reaction conditions. The method does not require bases or additional reagents, avoids prolonged heating, and proceeds through an operationally simple process with minimal waste generation. Eventually, the resulting α-keto imides can be readily converted into α-keto esters or amides and α-hydroxy derivatives.