azobenzene

chemical compound

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June 18, 2026

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Azobenzene is an orange-red crystalline chemical compound with the formula C₆H₅N=NC₆H₅. It is a type of azo compound, characterized by the presence of an azo group (–N=N–) within its molecular structure. Azobenzene can be synthesized from nitrobenzene and is used as an insecticide, particularly for spider mites in greenhouses.12

Azo compounds, in general, are organic compounds containing the azo group. Aromatic azo compounds, like azobenzene, often involve benzene rings and are significant in the commercial dye industry. Azobenzene can be further reduced to form azoxybenzene, a yellow crystalline compound.23

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azo compound
The synthesis of azobenzene from nitrobenzene by treatment with certain oxygen-removing reagents is an example of an alternate method useful for symmetrical azo compounds.
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The synthesis of azobenzene from nitrobenzene by treatment with certain oxygen-removing reagents is an example of an alternate method useful for symmetrical azo compounds.
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dye
Dye structure and colour
…containing a different chromophore, include azobenzene, xanthene, and triphenylmethane. Alizarin contains the anthraquinone chromophore. These four dyes were commercial products in the late 1800s.
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…containing a different chromophore, include azobenzene, xanthene, and triphenylmethane. Alizarin contains the anthraquinone chromophore. These four dyes were commercial products in the late 1800s.
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