Simple and facile method for the preparation of vinyl azides

A synthetic utility of [bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodo]benzene on α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid is described. This is the first example of preparation of vinyl azide using α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids directly by using hypervalent iodine reagent. The advantage of this protocol is characterized with non-toxicity of starting material and shorter reaction times to obtain good preparative yields. The method is also useful for the preparation of acyl azides.