Direct transformation of 2-acetylpyridine oxime esters into α-oxygenated imines in an Ir(iii) complex.

2-Acetylpyridine oxime esters are transformed into the corresponding α-oxygenated imines in an Ir(iii) complex under mild conditions, where the selective metal coordination of the imino group effectively promotes tautomerization of the oxime esters into the N-oxyenamines and the subsequent rearrangement.