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Nitriles, nitro and azo compounds

Diazomethane

Also known as Azimethylene, Acomethylene, Methane, diazo-

CAS 334-88-3Formula CH2N2Molar mass 42.04 g/molEC 206-382-7
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Serious health hazard 7 suppliers listed
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Diazomethane chemical structure, CH2N2, CAS 334-88-3
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Yellow gas [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas]
Melting point
-145 °C
Boiling point
-23 °C
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 1.45
Flash point
Flammable gas
HS code
292700
Category
Nitriles, nitro and azo compounds
UN number
UN 1953
Illustrative photo, a bundle of gas cylinders on a manifold in a chemical plant
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Diazomethane?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Diazomethane is the simplest diazo compound, in which a diazo group is attached to a methylene group. It has a role as an alkylating agent, an antineoplastic agent, a carcinogenic agent and a poison.

Diazomethane is a simplest diazo compound and methylating agent.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
diazomethane
CAS number
334-88-3 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 186581-53-3
EC number
206-382-7
Molecular formula
CH2N2
UNII
60A625P70P
InChIKey
YXHKONLOYHBTNS-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/CH2N2/c1-3-2/h1H2
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
C=[N+]=[N-]

Synonyms

  • Azimethylene
  • Acomethylene
  • Methane, diazo-
  • Diazonium methylide
  • azomethylene
  • 4-01-00-03056 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
  • Methane,diazo
  • diazomethan
  • diazo methane
  • diazo-methane
  • CNN radical
  • CNN
  • Diazomethyl group

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Yellow gas [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas]exp.
Odour
Musty odorexp.
Melting point
-145 °Cexp.
Boiling point
-23 °Cexp.
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 1.45exp.
Flash point
Flammable gasexp.
Autoignition temperature
100 °Cexp.
Solubility
Decomposes in waterexp.
Vapour pressure
Vapor pressure, kPa at 25 °C: 520exp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
42.04 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
42.0218 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
-0.08calc.
Topological polar surface area
36.4 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
0calc.
Rotatable bonds
0calc.
Heavy atoms
3calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS08: Serious health hazard
Serious health hazard

Hazard statements

  • H350May cause cancer.
Precautionary statements (5)
  • P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P318If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 1953

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Diazomethane suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

All 7 suppliers
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Where suppliers are based

7 suppliers in 4 countries

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Diazomethane price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

No published prices right now

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Powerful methylating agent for acidic compounds such as carboxylic acids, phenols, enols.

Diazomethane is used as a methylating agent for acidic compounds such as carboxylic acids, phenols, and enols.

Roles

  • aetiopathogenetic role
  • alkylating agent
  • antineoplastic agent
  • carcinogenic agent
  • genotoxin
  • mutagen
  • pharmaceutical
  • poison

How it is made

Reaction of n-nitrosomethyl-p-toluenesulfonamide with an alkali such as potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate

Ether solns of diazomethane: From N-nitroso-beta-methylaminoisobutyl methyl ketone in ether and isopropanol by reaction with sodium isopropoxide or from the same ketone in ether by reaction with sodium cyclohexoxide, ... By potassium hydroxide saponification of nitrosomethylurea in ether, ... or of nitrosomethylurethan in ether. (Ether solutions of diazomethane)

Prepared from chloroform and hydrazine by reaction with potassium hydroxide, ... from potassium hydroxide and nitrosomethylurea. (Gaseous diazomethane)

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 006-068-00-8

Health and food

  • EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II, prohibited in cosmetics
    Name: Diazomethane, Ref no: 699, Annex ref: II/699

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Diazomethane is traded under.

HS 2927.00Indicative HS code

Diazo-, azo- or azoxy compounds

World exports in 2024
$571M
+6.1% vs 2023, imports $525M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China47.0%
  2. Indonesia13.1%
  3. Japan9.3%
Top importers
  1. United States10.2%
  2. India * partner reported9.1%
  3. South Korea9.1%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Diazomethane is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Diazomethane, based on the data on this page

What is Diazomethane?

Diazomethane is the simplest diazo compound, in which a diazo group is attached to a methylene group. It has a role as an alkylating agent, an antineoplastic agent, a carcinogenic agent and a poison.

What is the CAS number of Diazomethane?

The CAS registry number of Diazomethane is 334-88-3. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 186581-53-3.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Diazomethane?

The molecular formula of Diazomethane is CH2N2 and its molar mass is 42.04 g/mol.

What is Diazomethane used for?

Powerful methylating agent for acidic compounds such as carboxylic acids, phenols, enols. Diazomethane is used as a methylating agent for acidic compounds such as carboxylic acids, phenols, and enols.

Is Diazomethane hazardous?

Diazomethane carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: may cause cancer. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Diazomethane?

Diazomethane is usually classified under HS code 292700 (Diazo-, azo- or azoxy-compounds). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Diazomethane?

CompoundList lists 7 suppliers of Diazomethane in China, France, Hong Kong and United States. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

What is the price of Diazomethane?

Suppliers quote Diazomethane on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Diazomethane

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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