Schmidt Reaction (Carbonyl + Azide → Amide/Amine): Mechanism + Exam Traps

Under strong acid, azide reacts with carboxylic acids (→ amines via rearrangement) or ketones (→ amides/lactams).

• Reaction: Schmidt Reaction (Carbonyl + Azide → Amide/Amine)
• What it does: Under strong acid, azide reacts with carboxylic acids (→ amines via rearrangement) or ketones (→ amides/lactams).
• Typical reagents: HN3, H2SO4 (Schmidt, ring expansion)
• Key intermediate: Varies / context-dependent
• Driving force: Formation of more stable bonds / products
• Exam type: Predict product
• Exam type: Rearrangement logic
• Exam type: Driving force