azobenzene

[From Eng. azo (te) = nitrogen, and benzene (q.v.).] C6H5N C6H5N. Chemistry: Obtained by distilling nitrobenzene with an alcoholic solution of potash. The alcohol is oxidised to aldehyde. Azobenzene can be obtained by the action of sodium amalgam and water on an alcoholic solution of nitrobenzene. Azobenzene crystallises in large yellow-red plates, which melt at 66-5°, and boil at 293°. Concentrated nitric acid converts it into nitro-substitution compounds. Boiling sulphuric acid converts it into azobenzene-sulphonic acid, C12H9N2SO3H. Reducing agents convert azobenzene into hydrazobenzene, C6H5NH C6H5NH.