Azodicarboxylate refers to a class of organic compounds that contain two carboxylate groups (-COO⁻) attached to an azodicarbonyl group. These compounds are often used in organic synthesis and polymer chemistry due to their ability to act as versatile intermediates. One common example is diethyl azodicarboxylate (DEAD), which is frequently employed in reactions such as the Diels-Alder reaction and Michael addition. Azodicarboxylates can also serve as electron-withdrawing groups, influencing the reactivity of nearby functional groups in chemical reactions.