Use of the phenyldiazenyl group, which serves as a protecting group for sec
ondary amines is described in detail. The triazene protected amine is compa
tible with oxidative and reductive conditions as well as with strong bases
(LDA, tert-butyllithium) and alkylating reagents. The amine is regenerated
by action of trifluoroacetic acid and a suitable reducing agent (EtOH or Na
H2PO2). (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.