The initial step in the preparation of phenol from a diazonium salt requires the diazotization of an — Alcohols Phenols and Ethers Chemistry Question
Question
The initial step in the preparation of phenol from a diazonium salt requires the diazotization of aniline using a mixture of $NaNO_2$ and $HCl$. What is the strictly enforced upper limit of the optimal temperature range in degrees Celsius ($^\circ\text{C}$) to prevent the explosive decomposition of the diazonium salt intermediate?
💡 Solution & Explanation
Diazotization of primary aromatic amines must be carried out in an ice bath. The specific critical temperature range detailed in the standard chemical protocol is $273\text{ K}$ to $278\text{ K}$, which corresponds precisely to $0^\circ\text{C}$ to $5^\circ\text{C}$. The upper limit is therefore $5^\circ\text{C}$.