A green route to the synthesis of azo compounds
Abstract
Polyethylene glycol (PEG, average molecular weight 400) was used as an absorbent for NO2, the absorptivity was found to reach up to 97%. PEG·NO2, the resulting absorbent product, proved to be a very efficient, clean and moderate oxidant, It can convert hydrazo derivatives 1 to the corresponding azo compounds 2 for the first time. The spent PEG can be recovered and recycled after the oxidation process.