What is burgess reagent?

Burgess reagent, also known as diethyl azodicarboxylate, is a chemical reagent commonly used in organic synthesis for converting primary and secondary alcohols into their corresponding amines.

The reagent is prepared by the reaction of sodium azide with diethyl malonate in the presence of an acid catalyst. Burgess reagent is a versatile and selective reagent for the conversion of alcohols to amines without the formation of any byproducts.

The mechanism of the reaction involves the formation of an iminyl radical intermediate, which then undergoes further reactions to form the desired amine product. Burgess reagent is preferred over other methods for amine synthesis due to its mild reaction conditions and high selectivity.

Despite its utility, Burgess reagent is known to be toxic and should be handled with caution. It is also sensitive to heat and moisture, so it should be stored in a dry and cool place.

Overall, Burgess reagent is a valuable tool in organic synthesis for the preparation of amines from alcohols, and its use has been widely adopted in research laboratories and in the pharmaceutical industry.