Highly Efficient DMSO‐Promoted α‐Hydrolysis of α‐Halohydroxamates under Mild Conditions

A novel and efficient method for the nucleophilic α‐hydrolysis of α‐halohydroxamates with water under metal‐free conditions is described. In this reaction, the simple and readily available dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was used as a catalyst, while water served as the nucleophile and oxygen source. This method was successfully employed in the synthesis of secondary α‐hydroxy‐α‐alkyl and α‐hydroxy‐α‐arylhydroxamates as well as tertiary α‐hydroxy‐α‐dialkylhydroxamates. Furthermore, the α‐hydrolysis of α‐halo‐α‐dialkylhydroxamates was achieved in the absence of the DMSO catalyst. This is a novel, mild, less toxic, and facile strategy for α‐hydroxylation of amides. A novel and efficient method for the nucleophilic α‐hydrolysis of α‐halohydroxamates under metal‐free conditions was achieved. The simple and readily available dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was used as a catalyst, while water served as the nucleophile and oxygen source. This method was successfully employed in the synthesis of secondary α‐hydroxy‐α‐alkyl and α‐hydroxy‐α‐arylhydroxamates as well as tertiary α‐hydroxy‐α‐dialkylhydroxamates.