Amberlite IRA900N3 as a new catalyst for the azidation of α,β-unsaturated ketones under solvent-free conditions

Amberlite IRA900N(3) is an excellent organocatalyst for the azidation of alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones with trimethylsilyl azide under solvent-free conditions. By avoiding the use of metallic species and of the organic reaction medium, the procedure is a green tool for the preparation of beta-azido ketones under mild conditions with yields from good to excellent. The catalyst can be recovered and re-used with no loss of its efficiency.