Kinetics and Equilibria of Arenediazonium Ions in Water

When an aqueous solution of an arenediazonium salt is added to an alkaline buffer solution, an initial rapid reaction occurs. All experimental evidence is consistent with the hypothesis that only the (Z)-diazoate is formed. Theoretically, however, the competitive formation of the (ii)-isomer in very small quantities cannot be excluded 

First we will discuss the kinetic and equilibrium results obtained with benzenedi-azonium ions containing a strong electron-withdrawing substituent (e.g., N02) in the 2- or 4-position. 

Lewis and Suhr (1958b) observed the disappearance of the 4-nitrobenzenediazo-nium ion by spectrophotometry, and found that the rate increased with increasing hydroxide ion concentration in the pH range 7.5-10. At pH 10-14 and in concentrated NaOH solution the rate was independent of pH. Subsequently the rates were 

5 Acid-Base and Isomerization Reactions of Diazo Compounds in Water 

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