Formation of functionalized cyclic ethers by intramolecular nitrile oxide cycloadditions

Abstract The reaction of O-trimethylsilyl α-bromo aldoximes with unsaturated alcohols produces oximino ethers which can be readily oxidized with sodium hypochlorite. The transient nitrile oxide intermediate formed undergoes spontaneous cyclization affording fused isoxazolines. MM2 calculations help rationalize the observed stereoselectivity.