Ethylazidoformate

Uses

Ethylazidoformate is an electron-deficient azide that can undergo cycloaddition with alkenes to form triazolines and generate ethoxycarbonyl nitrenes upon thermal and photolysis.

storage

Ethylazidoformate is potentially explosive and care should be taken when distilling or  heating solutions of this compound. It has been stored in the cold, protected from light, for up to 3 months  without any apparent deterioration. However, ethyl azidoformate is eventually hydrolyzed in the presence of  moisture, leading to the formation of HN3. Such long-stored samples can explode on handling (due to the  HN3) and it is therefore recommended that ethyl azidoformate be used immediately after preparation. The  vapors of this compound are also toxic. The original literature should be consulted before preparation and use  of this compound. This reagent should only be handled in a fume hood.