Chapter 22: Amines

Reduction of Azides

Summary

• Azides, R-N₃, can be reduced to primary amines, R-NH₂
• Reagents : either lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH₄) / ether solvent or catalytic hydrogenation (e.g. H₂/Pd)
• Alkyl azides are prepared by nucleophilic substitution (S_N2) by azide ion, N₃^-, of primary or secondary alkyl halides.

• Reduction of Nitriles
• Reduction of Nitro compounds
• Reduction of Amides

© Dr. Ian Hunt, Department of Chemistry