A convenient parallel synthesis of low molecular weight hydroxamic acids using polymer-supported 1-hydroxybenzotriazole

A convenient two-step procedure for the parallel synthesis of hydroxamic acids from carboxylic acids and hydroxylamine in good to high yields is reported. It involves the formation of a polymer-bound HOBt active ester and subsequent reaction with O-protected or free hydroxylamine. The hydroxamates are isolated with high purities by simple evaporation of volatile solvents. The use of free hydroxylamine leads to increased yields while maintaining high purities. Recycling of the spent resin to produce the same or a different hydroxamic acid has been achieved by a three-step protocol which is easily amenable to automation and cost-economical. The method presented here is well suited to the preparation of the title compounds and can be used effectively to synthesise large molecules containing a hydroxamic acid group.