Facile preparation of protected benzylic and heteroarylmethyl amines via room temperature Curtius rearrangement

A step-wise, room temperature procedure for acyl azide formation and the subsequent Curtius rearrangement of phenyl and heteroaryl acetic acids is described. We have developed a protocol for room temperature Curtius rearrangement in MeOH or CHCl₃ that provides an improvement over standard conditions, avoiding the use of additives or heat. This room temperature optimization of the Curtius rearrangement prevents the formation of side products often observed with benzylic acids, allowing access to a variety of benzylic and heteroarylmethyl amines.