Simple reagent slices open phenol rings, converts them into various nitrogen-containing products

Slicing open a phenol ring with a simple nitrite reagent allows chemists to create a variety of nitrogen-containing products. The new method adds to the toolbox of skeletal editing strategies that tweak the structures of complex molecules – something that has previously been difficult to do with phenols. The researchers behind the reaction demonstrated its use in making an additive that drastically enhances the mechanical properties of rubber.