The Staudinger Reaction

The Staudinger reaction is a chemical process used to selectively break down or modify molecules called azides, which contain nitrogen atoms. In the reaction, an electron-rich compound called a phosphine reacts with the azide, forming a temporary intermediate that then transforms into an amine (a common organic compound) and a phosphorus-containing byproduct. This reaction is important in chemistry for creating or modifying molecules, especially in assembling complex materials or pharmaceuticals, by allowing precise changes to specific parts of a molecule without affecting others.