The term diazo refers to the presence of two nitrogen atoms attached to the final end of an organic compound. Diazo compounds are known in chemistry as versatile substrates for chemical transformations, which I also describe in my thesis. The two best known syntheses of diazo compounds are diazotization and Arndt-Eistert synthesis. An example of a simple diazo compound is diazomethane, which is known for its yellow colour and explosiveness, and should therefore be handled with special care. In my thesis I focus on the synthesis and conversions of diazomethane, which are currently the most known Diazonium salts, especially aromatic diazonium salts, are important intermediates in organic chemistry. In the dye industry, the use of stabilized diazonium salts in the form of complexes with certain salts or with the addition of various inorganic salts, or in the form of diazotates, is very important. I have divided the diazonium salt conversions into two groups: substitutions where nitrogen atoms remain in the product and substitutions where N2 eliminates. The Sandmeyer and the Gattermann reactions are among those where nitrogen eliminates. Among those where cleavage does not occur are the coupling reactions. I also describe the instability of diazonium salts and the potential causes for it. I present the diazo compound as a nucleophile that can react with the Lewis acid. I also describe the conversion of azide and hydrazone to diazonium compound and discuss the catalyzed conversions of diazo compounds in the presence of iron or gold.
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