The Gattermann reaction involves the treatment of a diazonium salt with a halogen acid (e.g., HCl or HBr) and copper powder. The reaction proceeds in these stages:
- Diazonium Salt Generation: Aryl amines are transformed into diazonium salts by reaction with nitrous acid under low-temperature conditions.
- Halogen Substitution: The diazonium group (N2+) is substituted by a halogen atom (e.g., Cl or Br) when copper powder and a halogen acid are present.
- Haloarene Synthesis: The primary product obtained is an aryl halide, also known as a haloarene.
Consequently, a haloarene is the principal product of the Gattermann reaction when a diazonium salt is the starting material.