diazotization

chemistry

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

Diazotization is a chemical process used to convert primary amines into diazonium salts. This reaction typically involves treating the amine with nitrous acid, often at cool temperatures.12

Diazonium salts, characterized by the R-N₂⁺ group, are generally unstable. Aliphatic diazonium salts are transient intermediates, quickly breaking down into nitrogen gas and carbonium ions. Aromatic diazonium salts, while sometimes isolable, are also reactive and can lose nitrogen or form azo compounds.1

These compounds are significant in organic synthesis and the dye industry. By reacting diazonium salts with other compounds, a wide range of colors can be produced for dyes. Additionally, the diazonium group can be replaced by various atoms or groups, facilitating the creation of diverse aromatic derivatives.1

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

6 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.

organohalogen compound
Diazonium ions
…diazonium ions are prepared by diazotization, a procedure in which a primary aromatic amine (ArNH₂) is treated with a source of nitrous acid (HNO₂). Typically this involves adding sodium nitrite (NaNO₂) to an aqueous acidic solution containing the amine.
Read More
…diazonium ions are prepared by diazotization, a procedure in which a primary aromatic amine (ArNH₂) is treated with a source of nitrous acid (HNO₂). Typically this involves adding sodium nitrite (NaNO₂) to an aqueous acidic solution containing the amine.
Read More

phenol
General synthesis of phenols
…more general reaction is the diazotization of an arylamine (a derivative of aniline, C₆H₅NH₂) to give a diazonium salt, which hydrolyzes to a phenol. Most functional groups can survive this technique, as long as they are stable in the presence of dilute acid.
Read More
…more general reaction is the diazotization of an arylamine (a derivative of aniline, C₆H₅NH₂) to give a diazonium salt, which hydrolyzes to a phenol. Most functional groups can survive this technique, as long as they are stable in the presence of dilute acid.
Read More