Sulfonium Ion-Promoted Traceless Schmidt Reaction of Alkyl Azides

Schmidt reaction by sulfonium ions is described. General primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl azides were converted to the corresponding carbonyl or imine compounds without any trace of the activators. This bond scission reaction showcased ring-opening, -expansion, and one-pot further conversion of the substrates as well as the application with C-H azidation.