N,N′-Ditosylhydrazine:: A convenient reagent for facile synthesis of Diazoacetates

[GRAPHICS] A novel entry to the synthesis of diazoacetates is disclosed. A variety of diazoacetates were synthesized from the corresponding bromoacetates by treatment with N,N'-ditosylhydrazine in moderate to high yields. Ease of operation with the stable crystalline reagent as well as a short reaction time offer a useful alternative to the conventional methods.