Schmidt Reaction

The video tutorial by Professor Dave explains the importance of functional group interconversion in organic synthesis, focusing on the Curtius and Schmidt reactions. The Curtius rearrangement involves converting an acid chloride to an acyl azide, which decomposes to form an isocyanate. The Schmidt reaction, introduced by Karl Friedrich Schmidt, involves hydrazoic acid reacting with ketones to yield amides. Two mechanisms, the Baeyer-Villiger and Beckmann pathways, are discussed, highlighting selectivity issues in non-symmetrical ketones. Recent developments show alkyl azides undergoing similar reactions, with applications in synthesizing natural products.

Discuss the selectivity of alkyl migration in the Beckmann pathway of the Schmidt reaction.

How do alkyl azides behave under acidic conditions compared to hydrazoic acid?

What innovative approach did Professor Jeff Aubé use in the synthesis of the alkaloid stenine?