Copper-catalyzed oxyamination of electron-deficient alkenes with N-acyloxyamines

A Cu(i)-catalyzed direct intermolecular oxyamination of electron deficient alkenes is disclosed. This process is characterized by difunctionalization of a variety of α,β-unsaturated ketones with easily available N-acyloxyamine reagents as both amine and oxygen donors, which delivers ester derivatives of β-amino alcohols in good yields as well as with high regioselectivity. Control studies suggested the involvement of alkyl radical species on the way of product formation.