1-Diazo-2-propanone is a versatile reagent mainly used for the high-yielding acylation of amines, alcohols, and thiols. It is a yellow liquid that is stable in the fridge (-10 ℃). The reagent performs well in the acylation of amines, alcohols, and thiols but also has its uses in the field of nucleophilic substitution with ketones, aldehydes, and even with aldimines. It can be used for synthesizing acetylcyclopropanes with simple conditions, or for synthesizing heterocycles such as oxazole or highly functionalized thiophenes1. In addition, it could be used for forming C-C bonds in the acylation of terminal alkenes.

Synonyms: acetyldiazomethane, 1-diazo-2-propanone