Aromatic Nucleophilic Reactions (diazonium salts)

Arenediazonium Salts

            The diazonium salts or diazonium compounds are the class of organic compounds with general formula R−NN+X−. Here R is an alkyl or aryl group, X is an organic or inorganic anion (for example, Cl− Br−, BF4−, etc.).It is formed by the reaction of an aromatic amine with nitrous acid at 0–5°C. Such salts with alkyl amines are unstable and immediately decompose with the evolution of nitrogen. Aromatic diazonium salts are stable at 0° but eliminate N2 at room temperature.

Diazonium compounds are standard reagents used in synthesis of a vast variety organic compounds, especially aryl derivatives. These salts are light sensitive and break down under near UV or violet light. This property has led to their use in document reproduction. In this process, paper or film is coated with a diazonium salt. They also find application in the dye and pigment industries and are used to produce dyed fabrics