Diazo

For a discussion of copiers using the diazo process, see Whiteprint.

Diazo refers to a type of diazomethane. The electronic structure of diazo compounds involves a positive charge on the central nitrogen and negative charge distributed between the terminal nitrogen and the carbon. Some of the most stable diazo compounds are α-diazoketones and α-diazoesters since the negative charge is delocalized into the carbonyl. In contrast, most alkyldiazo compounds are explosive.

Diazo compounds are used as precursors to metal carbene through the diazo intermediate.