Indium(III) bromide catalyzed direct azidation of α-hydroxyketones using TMSN3

The direct catalytic azidation of 2-hydroxy-1,2,2-triarylethanones occurs at room temperature using 2 mol % of InBr3 as Lewis acid and TMSN3 as soluble azide source. 2-Azido-1,2,2-triarylethanones have been isolated in excellent yields. The role of aryl group and stereoelectronic factors indicate that the mechanism may involve the formation of a stable carbenium ion towards azidation.