Importance of Diazonium Salts in Synthesis of Aromatic Compounds
Diazonium salts, with the general formula R-N₂-X, where R represents an aryl group and X is an anion (such as Cl⁻ or Br⁻), are important intermediates in organic synthesis. These salts, particularly stable when formed from primary aromatic amines, are critical for introducing various substituents into aromatic systems. The section details the preparation of diazonium salts from aniline and their subsequent reactions, which allow for the replacement of the diazonium group with halogens, hydroxyl groups, and more. This versatility facilitates the synthesis of compounds that cannot be obtained by direct substitution on aromatic rings. Notably, diazonium salts are key players in forming azo dyes through coupling reactions. The significance of this chemistry extends to various fields including materials science, dye production, and drug synthesis.