Diazomethane is a powerful reagent for numerous chemical reactions such as esterifications and the homologation of carboxylic acids. Unfortunately, the synthetic utility of diazomethane is severely limited by its toxicity and highly explosive nature. Diazald® is typically used for ex situ synthesis, however it requires cumbersome and hazardous transfer of diazomethane from a caustic aqueous phase to the reaction medium. Herein, we present a low temperature and base‐free in situ synthesis of diazomethane via a “click and release” reaction between an enamine and sulfonyl azide. Its utility is exemplified by the synthesis of diverse methyl esters in yields of up to 93%. Moreover, diazoketone synthesis from in situ generated diazomethane and acid chlorides was demonstrated for the first time. Finally, trideuteromethylation was achieved using acetone‐d6 as the deuterium source. We anticipate that this method will enable the safer use of diazomethane in organic synthesis and drug discovery programs.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.