Method of electrochemical substitution of azides for hydrogen on tertiary carbons

A method of substituting an azide for hydrogen bonded to at least one tertiary carbon atom, comprising:

• providing a liquid mixture that includes a solvent, ammonium azide, and a base material having said at least one tertiary carbon atom with the hydrogen bonded thereto;
• disposing said liquid mixture in an oxygen-free environment;
• positioning a carbon electrode and a platinum electrode in a spaced-apart fashion in said liquid mixture;
• and
• applying an electric current to said carbon electrode and said platinum electrode wherein said liquid mixture undergoes a reaction to yield a liquid product and a solid product, said liquid product includes said solvent and a constituent having said at least one tertiary carbon atom with an azide bonded thereto.

A method of substituting an azide for hydrogen bonded to at least one tertiary carbon atom, comprising:

• providing a liquid mixture in an oxygen-free environment with a carbon electrode and a platinum electrode disposed in said liquid mixture in a spaced-apart fashion, said liquid mixture includes a solvent, ammonium azide, and a base material having said at least one tertiary carbon atom with the hydrogen bonded thereto;
• stirring said liquid mixture at room temperature;
• applying, during said step of stirring, an electric current to said carbon electrode and said platinum electrode wherein said liquid mixture undergoes a reaction to yield a liquid product and a solid product, said liquid product including said solvent and a constituent having said at least one tertiary carbon atom with an azide bonded thereto;
• removing said solvent from said liquid product wherein a paste is generated;
• mixing ethyl ether with said paste wherein an ethereal solution is generated that includes said constituent;
• and
• evaporating said ethyl ether from said ethereal solution to yield said constituent in a solid state.