Mannich reactions using benzyl azide as a latent N- (phenylamino)methylating agent

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(98)01721-3

Treatment of benzyl azide with triflic acid or titanium tetrachloride effects 1,2-phenyl migration with concomitant liberation of molecular nitrogen. The resulting N-phenyl iminium ion intermediate readily combines with enolizable carbonyl substrates to f