Abstract
We have developed a novel method to synthesize alpha-diazoesters from alpha-hydrazonoesters with a catalytic amount of Cu(OAc)(2) in acetonitrile. When the reaction was carried out under an argon atmosphere, the reaction stopped halfway, suggesting that this reaction required oxygen to reoxidize the catalyst. Since hydrazonoesters can be obtained by reduction of alpha-diazoesters with P(n-Bu)(3) in diisopropyl ether, these 2 compounds are mutually interconvertible with ease. Whereas alpha-diazoesters are unstable and unsuitable for storage, hydrazonoesters are more stable, especially crystalline hydrazonoesters. Thus, hydrazonoesters, which are suitable for long-term storage, could be conveniently used as precursors for alpha- diazoesters. (C) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
NSTL
Elsevier