Synthesis of 1,2-benzisoxazole 2-oxides

(Chemical Equation Presented) A series of 2-hydroxyaryl ketoximes were converted to the corresponding 1,2- benzisoxazole 2-oxides by treatment with iodobenzene diacetate (in acetic acid or methanol) or N-chlorosuccinimide in water. Both methods gave moderate to excellent yields for a variety of substituted oximes under mild conditions within short reaction times. The latter method has the advantages of an aqueous solvent and lack of halogenated organic by-products.