Facile synthesis of α,α′ disubstituted N-hydroxypyrrolidines and N-hydroxypiperidines via double 1,4-addition of hydroxylamine

A versatile synthesis of α and α′ disubstituted N-hydroxypiperidine and N-hydroxypyrrolidine by consecutive double 1,4-addition of hydroxylamine on the corresponding bis α,β-unsaturated diester is described. This reaction takes place an environmentally friendly (ethanol/water) system and at room temperature.