Azodioxy-carbonyl compounds by oxidation of cyclic imines with m-CPBA

This article reports a simple and efficient synthesis of C-nitroso compounds (azodioxy esters or ketones and oximes) through a double oxidation of cyclic imines (4,5-dihydrooxazoles and 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrroles) with m-CPBA. C-Nitroso derivatives seem to be potential donors of nitric oxide, one of the most powerful biological messenger.