Azobenzol

Azobenzol is a chemical compound with the formula C12H10N2. It is also known by its systematic name azobenzene. This organic compound consists of two phenyl groups attached to a central azo group (-N=N-). Azobenzol is a yellow crystalline solid. It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents like ethanol and ether.

The synthesis of azobenzol can be achieved through various methods. One common route involves the reduction of nitrobenzene in the presence of a base. Another method is the oxidation of aniline. Azobenzol exists as two geometric isomers: cis-azobenzol and trans-azobenzol. The trans isomer is generally more stable and is the commercially available form.

A significant property of azobenzol is its photoisomerization. Upon irradiation with ultraviolet light, trans-azobenzol can convert to cis-azobenzol. This process is reversible, and the cis isomer can revert to the trans isomer upon heating or irradiation with visible light. This photochromic behavior makes azobenzol and its derivatives useful in applications such as photo-responsive materials, optical switches, and in the field of molecular machines. Azobenzol itself has limited direct industrial applications, but its derivatives are more widely studied and utilized for their specific properties.