title: Diazo compounds in continuous-flow technology.
abstract: Diazo compounds are very versatile reagents in organic chemistry and meet the challenge of selective assembly of structurally complex molecules. Their leaving group is dinitrogen; therefore, they are very clean and atom-efficient reagents. However, diazo compounds are potentially explosive and extremely difficult to handle on an industrial scale. In this review, it is discussed how continuous flow technology can help to make these powerful reagents accessible on large scale. Microstructured devices can improve heat transfer greatly and help with the handling of dangerous reagents safely. The in situ formation and subsequent consumption of diazo compounds are discussed along with advances in handling diazomethane and ethyl diazoacetate. The potential large-scale applications of a given methodology is emphasized.
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT (UK).
authors.forename: Simon T R
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wirth
mesh_terms: D001391:Azo Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D003978:Diazomethane / Q000737:chemistry; D003979:Diazonium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D012449:Safety
chemical_list: D001391:Azo Compounds; D003979:Diazonium Compounds; D003978:Diazomethane; C032111:diazoacetic ester
keywords: continuous flow; diazo compounds; green chemistry; microreactors; multistep synthesis