Rapid nitrosation of amines in aqueous alkaline solutions by β-substituted alkyl nitrites

Abstract
Alkyl nitrites bearing β-electron withdrawing substituents, either synthesized independently (e.g. 2-ethoxyethyl nitrite) or formed in situ by reaction between nitrosyl gases and an alcohol or carbohydrate group, effect the rapid nitrosation of basic secondary amines in 0·1 M NaOH at 25 °C.