Although there are a limited number of examples, 0-arylated hydroxylamines and oximes are of interest since the oximes are starting materials in the synthesis of benzofurans via a rearrangement analogous to the Fischer indole synthesis.' 0-Arylhydroxylamines, provided they are stable, are usually obtained by hydrolysis of 0-aryloximes, which in turn are prepared by arylation of oximes or their sodium salts. In the early stages of our work the only arylation methods available ...