A versatile catalyst-free perfluoroaryl azide–aldehyde–amine conjugation reaction

In a tri-component reaction, an electrophilically-activated perfluoroaryl azide, an enolizable aldehyde and an amine react readily at room temperature without any catalysts in solvents including aqueous conditions to yield a stable amidine conjugate. The versatility of this reaction is demonstrated in the conjugation of an amino acid without prior protection of the carboxyl group, and in the synthesis of antibiotic–nanoparticle conjugates.