A Pd(II)-catalyzed oxime ether-directed γ-C(sp3)–H activation of masked aliphatic alcohols has been developed, enabling selective C–O bond formation with electron-deficient pyridones. The use of N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide (NFSI) as a key oxidant is crucial for over-riding the conventional β-selectivity, thereby affording γ-functionalized products. This transformation exhibits a broad substrate scope and a high functional group tolerance. Overall, this strategy provides an efficient and practical approach to pyridone ether synthesis via remote C–H activation.
Hu et al. (2026) studied this question.