Detection of Aryl Radicals in Hydrodediazoniations.

Iodoacetic acid, an effective aryl radical trapping agent, was employed to investigate the reactive intermediates in several hydrodediazoniations. Isolation of an aryl iodide constitutes a positive result in the test for aryl radicals. Equally as important is the lower yield of the reduction product when the trap diverts radicals from their usual reaction path.