diazomethane

chemical compound

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

Diazomethane is a yellow, toxic, and explosive gaseous compound with the chemical formula CH₂N₂. It is a type of diazo compound, characterized by the presence of a diazo group (-N=N) within its molecular structure.12

Diazomethane is primarily used in laboratory settings as a methylating agent. This means it is employed to convert organic acids into their methyl esters or to transform them into their next higher homologues. It is often prepared and used as a solution in ether due to its hazardous nature.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

diazo compound
…most common diazo compound is diazomethane, a toxic, explosive yellow gas usually prepared as a solution in ether and often used in laboratory procedures for converting carboxylic acids into their methyl esters or into their homologues.
Read More
…most common diazo compound is diazomethane, a toxic, explosive yellow gas usually prepared as a solution in ether and often used in laboratory procedures for converting carboxylic acids into their methyl esters or into their homologues.
Read More