Cerium (IV) ammonium nitrate (CAN) initiated O-alkylation of oximes with N-vinyl lactams

O-Alkylation of oximes with N-vinylpyrrolidin-2-one or N-methyl-N-vinylacetamide was efficiently initiated by a catalytic amount of cerium (IV) ammonium nitrate (CAN), giving the corresponding oxime ether derivatives in good yield.