Formation of hydroxamic acids promoted by metal ions. Interaction of aldehyde carbonyl group with C-nitroso group in the presence of ferric ions

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4039(95)02044-6

Formation of N-phenyl substituted hydroxamic acids in the reaction of formaldehyde with substituted nitrosobenzene is strongly catalysed by Fe³⁺ ions, which stabilize the transition state for the rate-controlling proton transfer from the carbon of nitrosocarbinolic cation intermediate leading to the product, hydroxamic acid.