Use of tosylated glycerol carbonate to access N-glycerylated aza-aromatic species

Tosylated glycerol carbonate was used for N-glyceryl functionalization of diverse aza-aromatic systems. Depending on the pKa of the aza-heterocycle and the reaction conditions applied, original N-alkylated or N-acylated aza-heterocyclic derivatives were obtained. Those compounds carry an electrophilic appendage—either carbonate or epoxide—which allows further useful transformations.