Functionalization of graphene: does the organic chemistry matter?

Reactions applying amidation- or esterification-type processes and diazonium salts chemistry constitute the most commonly applied synthetic approaches for the modification of graphene-family materials. This work presents a critical assessment of the amidation and esterification methodologies reported in the recent literature, as well as a discussion of the reactions that apply diazonium salts. Common misunderstandings from the reported covalent functionalization methods are discussed, and a direct link between the reaction mechanisms and the basic principles of organic chemistry is taken into special consideration.