Wolf Rearrangement
Wolff rearrangement is used to convert an α-diazo ketone to a ketene using a silver oxide catalyst, light, or thermal conditions.
When the reaction is carried out in the presence of water, alcohol, ammonia or amine, the highly reactive ketene readily reacts and forms acid, ester, amide or amide derivative respectively.
Removal of nitrogen and migration of R may be concerted. The group R migrates with retention of configuration.
When the reaction is carried out in the presence of water, alcohol, ammonia or amine, the highly reactive ketene readily reacts and forms acid, ester, amide or amide derivative respectively.
Mechanism of Wolf Rearrangement
The possible mechanism is given below-Removal of nitrogen and migration of R may be concerted. The group R migrates with retention of configuration.