Azobenzene dioxide

Azobenzene dioxide is the organic compound with the formula (C6H5N(O))2.

Both cis and trans isomers are known.

The cis isomer has been crystallized.

It is colorless.

[1] When dissolved, azobenzene dioxide converts to deeply blue nitrosobenzene: Azobenzene dioxide is a weak base, forming coordination complexes such as [Co[(C6H5N(O))2]4]2+.

Structure of (PhNO) 2 viewed down an approximate C 2 axis. The N-O and N-N distances are 1.26 (average of two) and 1.33 Å, respectively. [ 1 ] Color code: blue=N, red = O, gray = C.