Iminyl Radicals from α-Azido o-Iodoanilides via 1,5-H Transfer Reactions of Aryl Radicals: New Transformation of α-Azido Acids to Decarboxylated Nitriles.

The radical reaction of tributyltin hydride with o-iodo-N- methylanilides derived from α-azido acids provides an excellent access to α-(aminocarbonyl)iminyl radicals through 1,5-hydrogen transfer reaction of initially formed aryl radicals followed by β-elimination of dinitrogen from ensuing α-azido-α-(aminocarbonyl)alkyl radicals. The outcoming iminyls display a peculiar tendency to form corresponding nitriles by β-elimination of aminocarbonyl radicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]