A novel synthesis of α-azidocinnamates, α-azido-α,β-unsaturated ketones and β-azidostyrenes mediated by cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate

Cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate mediated addition of azide to cinnamic esters, acids and α,β-unsaturated ketones, followed by reaction with sodium acetate afforded the α-azidocinnamates, β-azidostyrenes and α-azido-α,β-unsaturated ketones, respectively, in good yields.