The Preparation of Symmetrical Azobenzenes from Anilines by Phase Transfer Catalyzed Method

Abstract

Used Galvinoxyl as catalyst, the phase transfer catalyzed method of oxidation of primary amines to symmetrical azobenzenes with a saturated solution of potassium ferricyanide in 2N aqueous potassium hydroxide and dichloromethane is described for the first time in this paper. The reaction has intimate relation with Hammett substituent constants. This report offers an efficient and rapid method to prepare azobenzenes and a possible mechanism is also suggested.