Triazenes: a versatile tool in organic synthesis.

Triazenes (RN=N-NR'R") are a class of compounds that hold much promise in preparative chemistry as they are reactive groups which are both stable and adaptable to numerous synthetic transformations. Useful to scientists in pharmacology, total synthesis, polymer technology, and the construction of novel ring systems, to name a few areas, triazenes also have a tendency to surprise chemists with new reactions and increasing applicability. This review highlights some of the recent advances and diversity possible with these types of systems.