Methyl Diazoacetate is used for cyclopropanation of alkenes; cyclopropenation of alkynes; addition to aromatic substrates; insertion into polar X-H bonds; condensation with carbonyls;1,3-dipolar cycloaddition with enamines and alkynes, yielding substituted pyrazolines and pyrazoles.
1.Womack, E. B.; Nelson, A. B. In Organic Synthesis; Horning, E. C.; Ed.; Wiley: New York, 1955; Vol. 3, p 392.
Methyl Diazoacetate's synthesis: from methyl glycinate hydrochloride and sodium nitrite upon treatment with a 5% solution of sulfuric acid.1
Extreme caution should be exercised in handling methyl diazoacetate since it is thermally unstable and has been found to detonate if heated rapidly or overheated (do not expose to temperatures >50 °C), emitting toxic fumes of NOx. Methyl Diazoacetate is toxic and should be handled in a well-ventilated fume hood.
