Direct Aerobic Oxidative Reactions of 2‐Hydroxyacetophenones

Valuable and direct aerobic oxidation reactions of 2‐hydroxyacetophenones were explored. The concept was based on the in situ treatment of small quantities of aerobically formed α‐keto aldehydes that drove the reactions to the corresponding products. This new strategy was applied for a variety of oxidative reactions of 2‐hydroxyacetophenones, and valuable products such as phthalides, quinoxalines, and α‐keto amides were obtained in good to high yields.