Taming Bromine Azide for Use in Organic Solvents─Radical Bromoazidations and Alcohol Oxidations.

The formation of bromine azide from the bisazidobromate(I) anion or alternatively from Zhdankin's reagent, using a phosphonium bromide salt as a common starting point, is reported. After homolytic cleavage in the presence of alkenes or alcohols either 1,2-functionalization or alternatively the selective oxidation of secondary alcohols in the presence of primary alcohols occur. The scopes and limitations of the use of BrN 3 are covered.