Safer, Greener, and More Facile Alternatives for Synthesis with Organic Azides

Organic chemists utilize azide synthons to generate a wide variety of functionalities, such as triazoles, tetrazoles, and diazo compounds. Though these products are often pharmacophores for biologically active molecules, the potentially hazardous nature of azides can act as a deterrent to their use in conventional reaction settings as they and diazo compounds are both explosive and toxic. Consequently, safer and greener methods of handling such reagents are needed and are being pursued. Among emerging methods are technology assisted syntheses by means of continuous flow processes, and processes where the compounds are generated in situ, eliminating the need for isolation. Additionally, new diazo-transfer agents have been developed that utilize polymer supports to minimize handling concerns. This mini-review will highlight recent advances in the field.