Synthesis of Carbamoyl Azides from Primary Amines and Carbon Dioxide under Mild Conditions

Abstract

Treatment of amines under a carbon dioxide atmosphere with tetramethylphenylguanidine (PhTMG) and diphenylphosphoryl azide (DPPA) in acetonitrile below 0 degrees C provides carbamoyl azides in high to excellent yields. In addition, epimerization is not observed when optically pure alpha-amino esters are used as substrates.