15 NRORC: An Azine Labeling Protocol.

A practical method for the synthesis of 15 N-labeled azines with a high degree of isotopic enrichment is described. Activation of azine heterocycles with an electron-deficient arene allows for the facile substitution of the nitrogen atom with a specifically designed 15 N-labeled reagent that undergoes a canonical ANRORC-type mechanism. A wide range of azines can be converted to their corresponding 15 N isotopologs using this method, and it also allows for dearomative access to reduced heterocyclic congeners. A short dearomative formal synthesis of 15 N-solifenacin is accomplished as well to demonstrate a practical application of this method for generating labeled pharmaceuticals.