A Safer Route to Organic Azides Using Segmented Flow

Abstract

Flow techniques offer more precise control over reaction conditions, reproducibility, scalability, safety and ease of optimisation compared to traditional batch methods. We were interested in reducing the risk involved in the preparation and handling of organoazides. These are valuable intermediates in copper(I)-catalysed azide-alkyne cyclo-additions with the product triazoles required for one of our in-house projects. In batch, solubilisation of the inorganic azide component of the reaction might require the use of a solvent such as DMF or DMSO leading to toxic, readily absorbed solutions of azide. A safer alternative is to use phase transfer conditions which
also simplifies work-up procedures.