Synthesis of diazonium (perfluoroalkyl) benzenesulfonylimide zwitterions

The synthesis and properties of diazonium (perfluoroalkyl) benzenesulfonylimide (PFSI) zwitterions are described. The general procedures for the diazonium PFSI zwitterions involve three steps: (1) a coupling reaction, (2) a reduction reaction and (3) a diazotization reaction. These novel diazonium PFSI zwitterions represent a new versatile class of remarkably stable diazonium materials with potential for modification of carbon supports for electrodes in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells.